Aouar to Arsenal continues to be in the works, as more talks are scheduled in the final days of the transfer window and Lyon have given the Gunners a timely boost.
[ MORE: How to watch PL in the USA ]
Lyon president Jean-Michael Aulas confirmed over the weekend that Arsenal have made an opening bid for Houssem Aouar, 22, but that he rejected it, and he’s now suggested the offer was well b
Asked about Arsenal’s pursuit of Aouar, the outspoken Lyon president had the following to say about the bid which is believed to be around $44.6 million.
“There was a timid offer, it was not an offer that was even susceptible to making us consider a sale,” Aulas said.
Asked how much he would want for Aouar, $46 million or $58 million, Aulas replied: “More than the first number that you mentioned.”
So, it appears they aren’t too far apart on their valuation and Lyon appear to be lining up Aouar’s replacement as Sky in Italy believe that they’ve agreed to sign Lucas Paqueta from AC Milan.
The dominoes are falling into place ahead of the final few days of the summer transfer window.
Aouar was superb in Lyon’s unexpected run to the UEFA Champions League semifinal in 2019-20 and his creativity will certainly add an extra dimension to Arsenal’s midfield. Mikel Arteta’s side battled hard in their 3-1 loss at Liverpool on Monday but couldn’t connect passes in midfield and Aouar is a master at that.
Alongside one of Granit Xhaka and Dani Ceballos he would be brilliant in Arsenal’s 3-4-3 formation. The French international midfield is a perfect player for Mikel Arteta’s system. He is silky on the ball and calm to help dictate possession, while he also isn’t afraid of his defensive duties.
This move for Aouar suggests that Lucas Torreira, Mateo Guendouzi and Mohamed Elneny are all set to move on as Arteta focuses on quality over quantity and is said to still want Ateltico Madrid’s holding midfielder Thomas Partey too, although that seems like a long shot now.
Aouar to Arsenal would be another statement of intent from the Gunners who have added Gabriel at center back plus Willian out wide and Arteta has developed a host of young players over the last 10 months. Slowly but surely the pieces are falling into place as Arteta tries to push Arsenal back into the top four.
Lyon give Arsenal boost amid latest Aouar update originally appeared on NBCSports.com
