In a recent interview with The Arsenal Lounge, Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Arsenal are set to reignite their interest in Olympique Lyonnais playmaker Houssem Aouar. Romano said (transcripted by HITC), “I think they will try again for sure.
“Now we have to happen what will happen with Szoboszlai, they are waiting on his final decision.
“But immediately after Szoboszlai signs with another club, they could move again for Aouar. They have already spoke with his agent.
“It is not easy to sign Aouar in January, but he is at the top of the list for Arsenal. He’s a favourite for Arteta, it’s the same for the board. So, yes, in my opinion they will try again.”
ARSENAL TRANSFER SPECIAL feat FABRIZIO ROMANO, LEE JUDGES & TURKISH https://t.co/tKqULYFIkd
— The Arsenal Lounge (@ArsenalLounge) December 8, 2020
Aouar’s Rapid Rise To Prominence At The Groupama Stadium
Aouar had a terrific season in the last term when he caught the eye by scoring nine goals and picking up ten assists in 41 appearances for Lyon across all fronts. The 22-year-old has continued to perform at a high level during this campaign after finding the back of the net twice and securing two assists in nine matches for the French outfit in various competitions.
The Lyon-born talent has established himself as an all-around performer for his team in midfield as he is averaging 0.7 tackles, 0.6 interceptions, 2.7 shots, 1.1 key passes and 1.4 dribbles per 90 minutes in the Ligue 1. He has even distributed possession relatively well by completing 83.6% of his attempted passes in the French first division (stats via whoscored).
Aouar is currently one of the first names in Rudi Garcia’s teamsheet and can be considered amongst the most promising young midfielders in European football. Hence, the Gunners will do well to lure him away from the Groupama Stadium this winter.
What Are The French Playmaker’s Best Attributes?
Aouar has got decent pace in his locker which he can use to complete some dangerous dribbles in the attacking third. He is usually composed on the ball and has got great technique and balance to retain possession in tight spaces in the opposition half.
The Frenchman has got the vision to play some defence-splitting passes in the final third and can also score his fair share of goals from midfield. He will only get better with each season, so Mikel Arteta would be wise to snap him up during the January transfer period.
Is Aouar A Decent Fit For The Gunners?
Arsenal are currently lacking creativity in their midfield department which is one of the many reasons why they are struggling to score enough goals in the Premier League this season. Arteta’s men have registered ten goals in 11 league matches which have seen them slump down to the 15th position in the Premier League table.
Recruiting Aouar this winter could go a long way in easing Arsenal’s worries on the offensive end of the pitch. He will add some energy, creativity and dynamism to the Gunners midfield and would serve as a good fit for Arteta’s brand of football at the Emirates Stadium.
