French connection 'really nice' admits Lyon target Katie McCabe

The Ireland skipper insists she's focused on Ireland's clash with France on Leeside.

Mon, 15 Jul, 2024 - 19:22

Andrew Horgan

Katie McCabe admits the rumours linking her with a move to Lyon are ‘really nice’, but her focus is solely on the Republic of Ireland’s fixture against France on Tuesday evening.

The Athletic recently reported that the French giants have identified McCabe as a ‘firm transfer target’ this summer although the Gunners, who tied the 28-year-old down to a new contract last September, are keen for her to remain in North London.

The Ireland captain has been at Arsenal, where she has won one Women’s Super League title, one Women’s FA Cup and three Women’s League Cups, since joining from Shelbourne back in 2015.

But while the Dubliner insists she is still happy at the club, she refused to play down speculation linking her with a transfer to the French champions and record eight-time winners of the Women’s Champions League.

“Yeah, look, I’m here. I’ve obviously full concentration on being with Ireland and our game prep for tomorrow,” said McCabe, speaking at Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Monday ahead of Ireland’s final Women’s Euros qualifier against France.

“I’ve seen the rumours and for a club like Lyon to be interested, it’s really nice, but I’m an Arsenal player.

“I have been for a long time and full respect to my Arsenal fans and teammates and the club as a whole and that’s the way it’ll be.

Asked if she was happy at Arsenal, McCabe responded, “Yeah, as I said I’m an Arsenal player coming up to nearly nine years now.

“I love the club; I love what we have been able to do and the trajectory we went on. As I said, I’m an Arsenal player and that’s about it really, yeah.”