Recent reports from The Sun suggest that Arsenal have been handed over a major boost in their quest to sign Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar as the player is believed to be available for £25 million, almost half of what the French side demanded in the last transfer window.
Last time out, the Gunners were priced out of a deal for the Frenchman despite agreeing on personal terms. However, the latest report states that a fee as low as £22m million should be enough to lure the player to the Emirates this time.
The 22-year-old did drop a hint on his future before the game against Nice.
“This could be (my last match at Lyon), but it could also not be.” – He stated.
“I do not ask myself these sorts of questions before an important match like this. This could be (my last match at Lyon), but it could also not be.”
“I do not ask myself these sorts of questions before an important match like this.”
Aouar’s Season At The Groupama Stadium
With 7 goals and 3 assists in thirty appearances, Houssem Aouar has done relatively well in a season where Lyon missed out on a Champions League spot by just 2 points. The France international has managed to put up some decent numbers on the board this term – averaging 2.3 shots, 1.3 key passes, 1.5 dribbles, and 1 long ball per 90 minutes in the Ligue 1. Furthermore, with 32 passes played per game with a success rate of 82%, he has been one of the best distributors of the ball for his side this season.
The Lyon-born sensation is primarily a central midfielder but can also play on the left flank or as an attacking midfielder if needed. Hence, investing in him could be a smart idea for an Arsenal side that lacks depth in the midfield area. However, a lot depends on whether Martin Odegaard decides to return after his loan spell.
Good Signing For Mikel Arteta?
It would be an understatement to say that Arsenal’s 2020/21 season didn’t go as planned. With hopelessness and disappointment all around, Mikel Arteta definitely needs to add to his attacking options if he wishes to challenge for the top four next season – and Houssem Aouar fits the bill. His style of play seems to suit Arsenal, and this could well turn out to be Arsenal’s perfect summer transfer.
At 22, the Frenchman still has a lot to offer, and he will undoubtedly be an amazing signing under any circumstance, so the board should try his best to get this deal over the line in the coming months.
(Stats from WhoScored)
