Arsenal could soon make an approach for Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar for the second summer in a row as part of a broader squad, with hopes that the French club’s failure to qualify for the Champions League could force the price down from last year.
Aouar played a big role when Lyon unexpectedly reached the Champions League semi-final 2019/20 and knocked out both Juventus and Manchester City along the way.
His influence there led to transfer speculation about a high-profile move, but without any offers that meet Lyon’s valuation, he stayed for the 2002/21 campaign.
Arsenal were one of the clubs interested in a year ago and were considered to have received two offers rejected by Lyon in September. Both bids were more than 20 million euros shy of Lyons’ fixed price tag of 60 million euros.
Arsenal saw two bids for Aouar rejected in 2020 / Xavier Laine / Getty Images
The Gunners are still in the market for central midfielders to rebuild a squad that can match the club’s expectations after a 26-year Premier League finish in 2020/21.
90min has already revealed that the Kroenke family has given the green light to spend close to £ 250 million on at least five new players to fill key positions, provided signings are young talents with the potential to improve and increase value in the future.
Arsenal initially focus their search on a new goalkeeper, center-back, full-back and two central midfielders. But with the club also keen to move more existing players from the Emirates Stadium, which could also help raise money, there could also be more.
The Gunners have seen the midfield trio Albert Sambi Lokonga, Yves Bissouma and James Maddison from Anderlecht, Brighton and Leicester respectively. But Aouar was able to get into it as well as still ticking all the right boxes at the age of 22.
Arsenal target young players who will improve and increase value / Catherine Steenkeste / Getty Images
The Sun claim Arsenal are preparing a £ 100,000-a-week contract offer to the player and hope they can beat Lyon to as little as a £ 20m transfer fee under the circumstances.
Lyon finished fourth in Ligue 1 during the recently concluded 2020/21 season and missed one of France’s three Champions League places by just two points. That means they cannot rely on Champions League revenue to increase revenue in their recovery from the pandemic. The collapse of Ligue 1’s broadcasting deal in early 2021 and subsequent replacement with a less lucrative contract should also not be overlooked when considering the financial health of French clubs.
Arsenal’s midfield may need special attention, with Granit Xhaka linked to a move to Roma and Matteo Guendouzi a salable asset with no obvious future in north London. Selling both and others to no avail to Mikel Arteta can raise money to finance the expense project.
90min has also previously revealed that Arsenal want to sell 30-year-old striker Alexandre Lacazette this summer rather than offer him a new contract, which further highlights the club’s intention to lower the squad’s age and ensure players maintain high sales terms. value.
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