Arsenal are keen to sign Lyon talisman Houssem Aouar this summer, but the Gunners must first download some of their own stars before moving to midfield.
The 23-year-old has caught the eye of the Ligue 1 side again this season and his performances in the Champions League edition 2019/20 were proof that he can deliver on the biggest stages.
Aouar could leave Lyon this summer / Eurasia Sport Images / Getty Images
According to ESPN, Arsenal are one of several clubs that are monitoring Aouar this summer if the opportunity to sign the Lyon man should arise. In fact, he could be available for as little as € 25 million if his club decides to make money.
However, the North London outfit has to sell some of its own stars before trying to sign the France international, as they are in great need of lowering the wage bill and generating some revenue from player sales.
Matteo Guendouzi has already left the Emirates for Marseille, while Granit Xhaka and Lucas Torreira are both expected to retire this summer. Mikel Arteta’s determination to review the midfield means that he will also make sure to add some new faces in the middle of the pitch, especially after Martin Odegaard and Dani Ceballos returned to Real Madrid at the end of their loans.
These excursions could make way for the arrival of a new midfielder, and while Arsenal have been linked with a move for Renato Sanches – who said he is “waiting” for the Gunners’ “invitation” – the name Aouar is now on their radar, too.
It seems that the Lyon star is also ready to test himself in new environments, after failing to train before seasonal training earlier this month, after being disappointed with the club’s inability to hold on to star player Memphis Depay.
Lyon can be prepared to accept a bid of 25 million euros for Aouar, which makes the Frenchman an exciting opportunity for several European giants. In fact, if Arsenal are to land the midfielder’s services, they will have to face competition from the likes of Paris Saint-Germain, Liverpool and Juventus, who could offer the luxury of Champions League football next season.
