According to reports by Fabrice Hawkins, Lille is interested in George Ilenikhena. Monaco is demanding 25 million euros for the player. The club hopes to make a profit on George Ilenikhena, who is no longer in the club's plans. If Lille cannot match this price, a loan could be negotiated. George Ilenikhena earns 690,000 euros per year.

Lille is seeking to sign an attacking player during the winter transfer window following a serious injury to striker Hamza Igamane. LOSC has identified AS Monaco's 19-year-old Nigerian-French attacker George Ilenikhena as a target. For a potential departure in January, the principality club is demanding an estimated fee of 25 million euros. This asking price complicates a potential transfer for Lille, and club president Olivier Létang is concurrently considering other players to strengthen the team for coach Bruno Genesio. Ilenikhena, a centre-forward who joined Monaco in July 2024, is under contract until June 2029 and has made 2 goalless appearances in Ligue 1 this season. According to Transfermarkt, his current market value is estimated at €12.00m. Other clubs recently linked with him include Lazio, VfB Stuttgart, and Eintracht Frankfurt. Recent reports from January 2026 indicated that Eintracht Frankfurt was negotiating a loan with a purchase option valued at over €25 million. A reported €22 million bid from VfB Stuttgart was rejected in the summer of 2025.