Republic of Ireland captain Katie McCabe admitted rumoured interest from French giants Lyon is "nice", but would not be drawn on whether she will make a blockbuster move from Arsenal this summer.
On Saturday The Athletic reported that last season's beaten Champions League finalists have contacted the Gunners to express an interest in signing the coveted Dubliner.
McCabe agreed a new with Arsenal less than a year ago. The Women's Super League club do not want to lose her, but the arrival of Joe Montemurro as Lyon new boss in June potentially increases their chances of landing the 28-year-old.
Montemurro formerly managed Arsenal, and brought McCabe into the first-team fold after she'd been on loan at Glasgow City in 2017. She flourished under his guidance, growing into a key figure in the side.
McCabe spoke to the media at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh ahead of Tuesday evening's Euro 2025 qualifier against France. When asked about the speculation, she replied: "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 have full respect to my Arsenal fans and team-mates and the club as a whole. That’s the way it’ll be.
"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."
McCabe was suspended for Friday's 2-1 loss to England at Carrow Road and will come back into the fold as the Girls in Green look to nick something off a supreme French outfit who have already sealed qualification for next year's Euros in Switzerland.
Ireland will head for the play-offs in the autumn, but they are perilously close to losing seeded status for those games. They need to have a better overall ranking than Poland after the last round of qualifiers are played tomorrow, with only goal difference currently elevating Eileen Gleeson's team above the Poles.
A heavy loss in Cork - or a positive Polish result against Iceland - could mean Ireland having to play a League A team in the two-legged play-off final, providing they through the semi-finals, where they'd be pitted against a side from League C.
It gives this clash an edge, with the novelty of playing at the home of Cork GAA adding another layer of interest.
"I’ve not been to Cork in ages," McCabe smiled. "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.
"I felt a lot of different emotions."
"We're not in Dublin for the first time in quite some time, I think it’s over 10 years maybe, but 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."
McCabe also took the opportunity to offer her support to the ex-players involved in the RTÉInvestigates/Sunday Independent story that detailed alleged unwanted or inappropriate sexual advances from FAI coaches in the 1990s.
"It was a really difficult watch," she said of the RTÉ programme Girls In Green.
"I felt a lot of different emotions. I really felt for the players coming out and sharing their story. To have the courage to do that after so long, 20-25 years I think it was, the courage they've shown to come out and speak about those things that should never, ever have happened while those women were playing football and doing so to ensure it never happens again.
"I’m lucky to be part of a team and all through my playing career, that’s never happened to me nor do I know any close people of mine that that’s happened to.
"For me as a captain of the national team, I can speak on behalf of the whole team and say our thoughts, our love, and our support is with each and every one of those women.
"I hope they can find some peace in having shared their story."
Watch Republic of Ireland v France in Women's Euro 2025 qualifying on Tuesday from 5.30pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player. Follow a live blog on rte.ie/sport and the RTÉ News app and listen to live commentary on 2fm's Game On
