Eoin Harrington reporting from SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoímh in Cork
Katie McCabe was coy on Monday afternoon when quizzed about recent reports suggesting Lyon are interested in signing the Arsenal star.
After missing last Friday's defeat to England through suspension, Ireland captain McCabe will be available for selection once again on Tuesday evening when France visit SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoímh.
With seeding for the EURO 2025 play-offs on the line, it is a brilliant point for the Irish team to return Leeside for the first time in 12 years.
McCabe faced the media in Cork on Monday and, along with her musings on tomorrow's game against the French, she also responded to a recent report linking her with a move to French champions Lyon.
Léigh an scéal seo trí Ghaeilge ar Liathróidí.ie brúigh anseo.
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Katie McCabe coy on reports of Lyon interest
5 April 2024; Katie McCabe of Republic of Ireland during the UEFA Women's European Championship qualifying group A match between France and Republic of Ireland at Stade Saint-Symphorien in Metz, France. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
After Arsenal rejected an approach from Chelsea for the Irishwoman's services last summer, Katie McCabe penned a contract extension with the Gunners in September.
However, reports now suggest that McCabe is the subject of serious interest from French champions and eight-times Champions League winners Lyon.
The Athletic's David Ornstein reported on Friday that Lyon had approached Arsenal with a view to signing McCabe and were told no - but that their interest in the Ireland captain remains firm.
Speaking to the Irish media ahead of the Ireland WNT's EURO 2025 qualifier against France, McCabe was coy when asked about a potential summer move.
Look, I’m here. I’ve obviously full concentration on being with Ireland and our game prep for tomorrow.
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.
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.
McCabe signed for Arsenal from Shelbourne in 2015. She recently inherited the number 11 shirt vacated by Vivianne Miedema, who signed for Manchester City earlier this month.
It would be a major move for the Dubliner, having become an integral part of Arsenal's setup in recent years.
Tuesday night's clash between Ireland and France takes place in SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoímh, with the people of Cork buoyant after reaching the All-Ireland senior hurling final last weekend.
McCabe said that the welcome from the city's population has been heartwarming, and a big boost for the Irish squad.
I’m really excited. I’ve never played in Cork before at senior level. I’ve heard good things from the older girls, of course, Denise O’Sullivan in particular.
We’re not in Dublin for the first time in quite some time, I’m excited. It’s been a nice feel around the town, going in and seeing our Cork fans, and I’m just excited to see…I think it’s 15,000 tickets sold. I hope that everyone turns up - and the rain stays away tomorrow night - to cheer us on for our final game, which hopefully will be a good one.
I’ve not been to Cork in ages. That’s pretty bad to say, to be honest, but I love the place. I’ve got so many friends from Cork and the people are so friendly around the city, wishing us well.
I’m excited to see the fans. The Cork girls have been saying nothing but good things so I can’t wait to come out and play in front of the fans tomorrow.
Ireland take on France at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoímh on Tuesday evening. Kick-off is at 6pm and the game is live on RTÉ 2 television.
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