French football writer and broadcaster Matt Spiro has claimed Lyon captain Houssem Aouar could be made available this summer, with Arsenal apparently interested.
It is believed the Gunners are the only club to have made a bid for the Frenchman, despite interest from numerous parties.
The bid is said to be a player-plus-cash deal that would see Arsenal’s own French midfielder Mateo Guendouzi heading to Lyon.
Following the French Ligue 1 side’s Champions League semi-final elimination, Lyon have been left without European football for next season, which could perhaps a factor in Aouar’s decision to leave this summer.
Arteta is known to be a big fan of the 22-year-old, who was impressive as his side eliminated Manchester City in the Champions League quarter-finals – a performance which will likely have added a few extra pounds to his valuation.
Reputable French newspaper L’Equipe have reported on the deal, stating that the fee required to take Aouar from Lyon would have to be around the €60m mark.
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Despite his tender age, Aouar has been made captain at Parc Olympique Lyonnais and the technically gifted midfielder has already made 97 appearances for the club he has been with since 2009, so whilst he is young, he already has plenty of experience too.
Aouar seems to be the perfect fit for the new-look Gunners as Arteta attempts to put his own stamp on the squad at the Emirates Stadium. His ball-carrying ability and eye for a pass could see him slot right into the heart of the Arsenal midfield and if Guendouzi, who clearly isn’t in Arteta’s plans, can be used as part of the deal to lower the price, this seems like a great deal for the FA Cup holders to pursue.
