Real Madrid are reportedly inching closer to the capture of Olympique Lyon star Houssem Aouar, with competitors Arsenal switching attention to Julian Brandt.
According to a report from the Bernabeu Digital, Real Madrid could be closing in on the signing of 22-year-old midfielder Houssem Aouar from Ligue 1 outfit Olympique Lyon as their main rivals in his pursuit, Arsenal, have switched their focus elsewhere.
A product of the Lyon youth academy, Aouar broke into the first-team picture in 2017 and has gradually grown into a pivotal member of the team, in the process establishing himself as one of the most promising young midfielders in the Ligue 1.
Despite being just 22 years old, Aouar has already racked up 150 appearances for Les Gones, scoring 27 goals and setting up 30 more. Capable of playing as an attacking midfielder or as a traditional No. 8, the Frenchman has made quite the impression over the past couple of years and his rise hasn’t gone unnoticed.
Premier League giants Arsenal have been long-term admirers of Aouar and had tried to sign him up from Lyon in the last summer transfer window. However, a move did not materialise as they went in for a more defensive-minded player in Thomas Partey.
Nevertheless, considering that there has been little in terms of creativity coming from the middle of the park for Arsenal, someone like Aouar would have been a good addition. But, it is now being claimed that the Gunners have cooled their interest in the 22-year-old.
Instead, they have switched their focus to Borussia Dortmund star Julian Brandt. This has left the playing field clear for Real Madrid to swoop in and snap up the signing of Aouar, as per the report.
Much like Arsenal, Los Blancos, too have been following the 22-year-old for a while, with manager Zinedine Zidane understood to be a huge admirer. And having had him scouted on several occasions, the reigning La Liga champions have received glowing reports.
Real Madrid will soon be in need of a top-class midfielder to replace their linchpin, Luka Modric. While the Croatian has been going strong this term, at 35 years of age, he is in the twilight of his career. With Toni Kroos also entering his thirties, the Merengues need to start preparing for the future, making Aouar an enticing prospect.
And, now with their main competitors for the Frenchman’s signature, Arsenal, supposedly turning their attention towards a different player, Real Madrid have taken a step closer towards landing the 22-year-old. Aouar’s contract with Lyon runs till the summer of 2023 and it might take a sizeable fee from Los Blancos to land the midfielder.
