Charlton Athletic and Derby County are both looking to improve their attacking lines ahead of the new season by pursuing free transfers.

The Rams nearly missed out on a Championship play-off spot last season, whereas the Addicks successfully maintained their second-tier status after winning promotion from League One.

Derby County have already been busy in the summer transfer market, with Bobby Clark coming permanently from Salzburg after a successful loan spell at Pride Park last season.

Meanwhile, Charlton must have a fruitful window as Nathan Jones seeks to strengthen his side’s Championship status.

Derby County and Charlton Athletic make offers for an ex-Lorient striker.

Derby finished seventh in the second tier last season, which will be enough to qualify for the play-offs next season, thanks to the extension of the post-season competition.

In contrast, Charlton finished just six points above the relegation zone and will hope for a more pleasant 2026/27 season.

According to French publication FootMercato, both the Rams and the Addicks have made formal bids for Sambou Soumano, whose contract with Lorient has ended.

Last season, the 25-year-old scored four goals and assisted twice in 31 Ligue 1 outings, but he only made eight starts in France’s top division.

He previously contributed significantly to Lorient’s promotion, scoring 14 goals and providing three assists in 32 appearances in the 2024/25 Ligue 2 season.

Soumano had loan spells with Belgian club Eupen, as well as neighbouring French teams Rodez and Quevilly, before establishing himself as a regular first-team member with his current club.

The striker’s Quevilly stint paid off, as he scored 15 goals and provided two assists in 38 games across all competitions during the 2023/24 season.

His most remarkable performance last season came when he scored twice in a 3-1 victory against Nice in November, while his other goals came against Rennes and Brest.

Sambou Soumano’s signing is a gamble that could pay off for either Derby or Charlton.