Panathinaikos AKTOR is increasingly seen as the frontrunner to sign French guard Sylvain Francisco from ASVEL Villeurbanne, according to Gazzetta, as the 28-year-old appears to be drifting further from the French club with each passing hour.
The Greek club has been monitoring developments around Villeurbanne, the team coached by Tony Parker, from the start, and is said to be keeping constantly updated on the situation inside the French club.
So far, efforts to find a financial backer to cover a significant budget shortfall at Villeurbanne have not succeeded, leaving the club's original plans in doubt, according to Gazzetta's sources.
Those sources say Panathinaikos AKTOR is now considered the strong favorite to land the French guard if he becomes a free agent. Francisco is described as the club's top transfer target for strengthening its backcourt, and Panathinaikos officials have reportedly decided to move quickly to complete a deal once the conditions allow, addressing what is described as the roster's main remaining need at guard.
Next 48 hours seen as critical
The next two days are expected to be decisive, according to the report. Tony Parker is continuing efforts to secure the financial resources needed to keep Villeurbanne's ambitious project intact, but a solution has not yet been found.
Meanwhile, Francisco's camp does not appear willing to wait indefinitely. The uncertainty at the French club has put the player in a wait-and-see position, though developments are expected to move quickly.
If Villeurbanne cannot resolve its financial situation within the next 48 hours, the report says the French international guard is expected to become a free agent again. In that scenario, Panathinaikos AKTOR is described as being in the strongest position of any Euroleague club to complete a transfer that would significantly boost its backcourt.
The coming hours are expected to be decisive, with the Francisco situation heading toward a resolution and Panathinaikos AKTOR reportedly waiting for the right moment to make its move.
