Nottingham Forest are close to completing a deal to sign French midfielder Houssem Aouar from Olympique Lyonnais, reports Gianluca di Marzio. The 24-year-old is all set to become their 15th signing of the summer transfer window.
Nottingham Forest Closing in on Houssem Aouar Transfer
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Aouar ‘Closer Than Ever’ to Premier League Move
Aouar is no stranger to being linked with Premier League clubs. The Frenchman was a reported target for Arsenal in 2020, only for him to opt to stay with Lyon. But now it seems like the 24-year-old will finally get his move to one of the best leagues in world football.
Forest are working hard to swiftly secure an agreement with the Ligue 1 side for Aouar and negotiations seem to be going well. The newly-promoted Premier League side are looking to strengthen their midfield and add some creativity to it, which they should get in the form of the 24-year-old Frenchman.
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Aouar has garnered a lot of praise all through his career. In 2018, Pep Guardiola called him an ‘incredible player’ after his performance in Lyon’s 2-2 draw against Manchester City in the Champions League Round of 16. He made 215 appearances for the Ligue 1 side, scoring 40 goals and providing 35 assists – averaging one goal contribution per game almost every three games from centre-midfield.
Nottingham Forest’s Stunning Summer Transfer Window So Far
Ever since confirming their return to the Premier League after a 23-year-long wait, the Tricky Trees have been on fire in the summer transfer window. They have signed 15 players to strengthen their first-team squad, with manager Steve Cooper clearly believing they needed a proper overhaul to survive in England’s top flight.
Forest have spent over £98 million in transfer fees for the players, even though the likes of Jesse Lingard, Cheikhou Kouyate and Wayne Hennessey joined as free agents. They loaned in Dean Henderson from Manchester United as well.
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The Reds spent £18.4 million to sign Taiwo Awoniyi from Bundesliga side Union Berlin as well as £18 million to rope in Neco Williams from Liverpool as two of their most-expensive signings. They also recently added Watford winger Emmanuel Dennis for £13 million, but hardly seem done there are they push to add more creativity to their midfield with Aouar’s acquisition.