Houssem Aouar has attracted the attention of an unnamed Champions League club following recent speculation that he could be set for a move to Arsenal from Olympique Lyonnais.
Houssem Aouar Attracts Attention From Across Europe After Arsenal’s Initial Interest
Gunners Facing Competition
Arsenal will now have to compete for Aouar’s signature, with the Frenchman in no rush to make a decision over his future, according to Mike McGrath at The Telegraph.
Last week, Lyon director Juninho confirmed Mikel Arteta’s interest in the Frenchman, stating that the Ligue 1 side are preparing to receive bids for Aouar before the summer transfer window comes to a close.
Following Arsenal’s initial interest in the player, another club, who are currently playing in the Champions League, are understood to be keen to secure the Frenchman’s services by making a late offer for him.
Lyon will not budge from their £54 million price tag for the France U21 international, who has made 99 appearances for Les Gones and become a regular starter for the first team since rising through their youth ranks.
Arsenal’s absence from the Champions League for a fourth consecutive season is not thought to be an issue, having kept Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang at the club as well as beating Napoli and Manchester United to the signing of centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes.
Arsenal Look for Aouar
Arteta is keen to bolster his options in central midfield, with Aouar and Thomas Partey his primary targets.
Despite re-signing Dani Ceballos on loan from Real Madrid for another season, the Arsenal manager is known to be an admirer of Aouar for the creative threat that he would bring to a team that struggled to regularly create chances through his first season in charge of the Gunners.
Lyon are also preparing to receive bids for other players having reached the last four of the Champions League in 2019/20, with Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman interested in signing former Manchester United man Memphis Depay.
Main Photo
