OGC Nice has announced that its leading midfielder, Aymeric Lemoine, is set to leave the club today following his contract with the team expiring in June.

Lemoine, who joined OGC Nice from French side Olympique de Marseille, was on loan with the club until the end of the season before signing a permanent deal with the team for next season.

The 26-year-old had made a successful debut for the French national team in January and was expected to make his mark at the top level of football.

However, OGC Nice have now confirmed that they will be unable to offer Lemoine a new deal and he will therefore leave the club today.

The move comes as a surprise for both the club and the player himself, who was previously known as one of the best midfielders in French football.

"I am very sad to hear about this news," said OGC Nice president Jean-Michel Aulas. "Aymeric has been a great addition to our squad over the past few years and I wish him all the best."

Lemoine's departure will come as a blow to the club, which has struggled to find a replacement for the star midfielder in recent years. The club has also lost key players like Thierry Henry and Mathieu Valbuena, who were both linked with moves away from the club earlier this year.

The move comes just weeks after OGC Nice's first-choice midfielder, Vincent Kompany, signed a new contract extension with the club.

"It is disappointing to see Aymeric leave, but we must accept that the club has to make some tough decisions," said Kompany. "I hope that we can find a replacement soon and we will work hard to ensure that the club stays competitive throughout the rest of the season."

Overall, the decision by OGC Nice to let Lemoine go is a blow for the club, especially given the strong performances he has had over the past few seasons. However, it is likely that he will look elsewhere for a new challenge, as he is still a valuable asset to the club.