Sunderland are reportedly stepping up their efforts to sign Lorient midfielder Arthur Avom this summer, with the Black Cats said to be competing with several clubs for his signature.

Reports from Africa Foot suggest Sunderland are looking to bring the 21-year-old to the Premier League, with interest also emerging from Chelsea, as well as clubs including RC Strasbourg, Galatasaray and Stade Rennais. Avom previously worked under Sunderland head coach Régis Le Bris during his time at FC Lorient, where the Frenchman spent two seasons before taking charge at the Stadium of Light in June 2024.

The Cameroon international joined Lorient while Le Bris was still in charge, and the Sunderland boss has long been linked with a potential reunion with the midfielder. Speculation about a move first surfaced last summer, when it was reported that Le Bris was keen to bring the player to Wearside. A deal never materialised during that window, but fresh reports suggest Sunderland remain firmly interested in securing his services.

With Avom’s contract situation beginning to draw attention from across Europe, a number of clubs are now monitoring the midfielder ahead of the next transfer window. However, it has been claimed Sunderland currently hold an advantage in the race for the player, with the club believed to be pushing ahead with discussions. Avom’s representatives are reportedly holding “direct talks” with Sunderland over a potential move, with a long-term deal said to be under consideration.

The proposed contract is believed to run for four years, with the option of a further season included, although no final agreement has yet been reached between the two parties. Sunderland’s interest comes as Avom approaches the final stages of his current contract with Lorient, a situation that has naturally attracted interest from multiple clubs across Europe. According to Transfermarkt, the midfielder is currently valued at around €9million (approximately £7.7million). His existing deal with Lorient runs until June 2026, although the French club are believed to hold an option to extend the contract by a further year.

Should Lorient activate that clause, any interested club would likely need to negotiate a transfer fee to secure the player’s services. For now, though, Sunderland appear determined to push forward with talks as they attempt to beat several rivals – including Chelsea – to the signing of a midfielder who already has a connection with Le Bris from their time together in France.