Arsenal’s interest in Olympique Lyon’s midfield sensation Houssem Aouar has been confirmed by the French outlet Le10Sport, which claims that the gunners have submitted their first official bid this summer.
Arsenal have been keeping themselves real busy this summer and are trying to go about their business in a low-key fashion. With three transfers already close to completion, they are now looking at the 23 year old French international to add strength to their midfield ahead of next season’s challenge. It is no secret that Mikel Arteta has been an irer of Houssem Aouar for quite some time now and wishes to see him play at the Emirates next season.
The Frenchman, a native of Lyon has been playing for his local team Olympique Lyon’s youth club and had been promoted to the senior team in 2016 when he signed a 2 year contract which he later extended up until 2023.
James Olley: Arsenal are considering reviving their pursuit of Lyon's Houssem Aouar but will need to offload at least one more midfielder before making a formal offer, sources have told ESPN. https://t.co/29xNqVSBAs
— Osman 🎗 (@OsmanZtheGooner) July 7, 2021
Their interest in adding a creative midfielder to their squad this season is no secret. Recent reports have revealed Arsenal’s interest in a variety of midfield options including the likes of Ruben Neves and now Aouar seems like the latest that Arsenal have made a move for this summer.
The player, in spite of being just 23 year old, has already amassed 170 appearances, which included 32 goals and 31 assists and Arsenal are hoping to get deal over the line for the frenchman this summer after coming tantalising close to securing one on deadline day last time around.
Arsenal / Aouar, here he go ?
Waiting for the confirmation of God @FabrizioRomano https://t.co/KReVNLiDjZ
— Alexis BERNARD (@AlexisBernard10) July 6, 2021
It reported that the transfer deal could be finalised at a very economical fee of around €20-25 million. This would be a welcome boost for the club given the present state of post-pandemic finances.
Despite him having a contract for two more years, the report suggests that Lyon are open to listen to offers for the midfielder and their asking price this season is a stark contrast from what they where looking to secure last season.
Recent reports had also emerged about the player trying to force through a move by refusing to show up for pre-season training at Lyon. However Aouar has been quick to refute such suggestions saying:
“Once again, unfortunately another fake news was published across social media,” the Lyon star said in a statement.
“I don’t usually answer what’s been said about me… I was sick and hospitalised over the weekend.
“I am doing much better now and I am ready for what comes next.
“Thank you to those who have always ed me, in the good as well as in the mad moments. Go OL!”
Should Arsenal make a move for Houssem Aouar this season ?
Aouar is an efficient dribbler known for his bursts of acceleration with the ball, beating defenders at will and astute deftness with the ball. He also has the habit of popping up in the final third and scoring which gives us an idea of his ability to be in the right place at the right time. His impressive goal tally is a testament to the midfielder’s impeccable finishing skills.
His repertoire also includes link-up-play, this can be seen in his playing style, which involved link-up plays with players like Memphis Depay who has been a vital source of goals for Lyon. The Frenchman is an intelligent and a versatile player. He has the experience of playing in all positions in midfield, and has even played as a winger and CDM when needed.
The surprising thing about this situation is the price at which Lyon are willing to let him go. His current €25 million price tag is way off from what the club demanded for him last season. The particular reason for this is unknown, but if there is anything to worry about it is Lyon’s chief Jean-Michel Aulas who is a tough nut to crack. He is notorious for his adamant behaviour during transfer negotiations. The transfer saga of certain former Lyon players like Nabil Fekir and even Lacazette has had the world take note of his intractable nature and change in stance makes you wonder, what the catch is, in a situation like this.
Related Arsenal Transfer News :
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Houssem Aouar is a young player with lots of potential for future. He certainly possesses the qualities to play at a club like Arsenal which will be a step up from his current club and the lure of testing himself in the Premier League could be too great to resist for Aouar. A player like him surely fits the bill for the ongoing project at Arsenal and in the absence of any creative midfielder of note apart from ESR, Aouar could play a massive role in the squad.
It would definitely be exciting to watch him play alongside equally talented players like Bukayo Saka along with linking up with Aubameyang and Pepe up front.
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