Esteban Lepaul is having a season to remember. The 26-year-old striker currently sits atop the Ligue 1 scoring charts with an impressive 19 goals, putting him in pole position for the Golden Boot. While that prolific form wasn't enough to earn him a nomination for the UNFP Awards, it has certainly caught the attention of Europe's elite.

According to reports from Foot Mercato, both Napoli and Atletico Madrid have made inquiries about the Rennes star. Atletico were the first to make contact, with Napoli following suit more recently. A handful of other unnamed European clubs are also monitoring the situation, though interest from within Ligue 1 remains surprisingly low.

Lepaul's goals have been instrumental in keeping Stade Rennais in the hunt for Champions League qualification. Securing a spot in Europe's premier competition would not only boost the club's profile but could also help them retain their star striker. However, that path is looking increasingly challenging.

Rennes are considering offering Lepaul a contract extension with improved terms, but they face a difficult balancing act. French clubs, already grappling with financial constraints, may be deterred by the €30 million price tag Rennes have placed on their top scorer. For now, the race for Lepaul's signature is heating up, and the summer transfer window could see one of Ligue 1's hottest properties make a big move.