Real Madrid are interested in securing the services of Houssem Aouar, who is valued at around €50 million by Lyon, this coming summer.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Defensa Central, Real Madrid are keeping tabs on the situation of Real Madrid ahead of the summer transfer window. The reigning La Liga champions are keen on signing the French international, but are not prepared to meet his €50 million valuation, set by Lyon.
Aouar has developed considerably since breaking into the Lyon first-team setup in 2017. Now a mainstay in midfield for the Ligue 1 outfit, the 22-year-old is enjoying a fine campaign with Les Gones, with 6 goals and 4 assists in 26 appearances across all competitions.
His future at Lyon, though, has been the subject of rampant speculation for months now, with widespread reports suggesting that Aouar is set for a big move this summer. And, the French international has no shortage of suitors, with Real Madrid among the clubs that are hot on his trails.
For years, midfield has been one department where Real Madrid have had little to nothing to worry about. After all, the formidable trio of Casemiro, Toni Kroos and Luka Modric has only gone from strength to strength with every passing season, whereas Federico Valverde is no less impressive.
However, with Luka Modric now 35 and closing in on the final stage of his career, it is sensible for the Merengues to lay down a succession plan for him, especially with Kroos on the wrong side of 30 as well. With Isco linked with a summer exit, a midfield reinforcement is the need of the hour anyway, with Aouar a viable target for Real Madrid to pursue.
Apart from Aouar, Fabian Ruiz has also been linked with a possible switch, although is has been suggested that he prefers a move to Atletico Madrid over Barcelona or Real Madrid. A move for Aouar could well be in the offing then, although his €50 million valuation is proving to be the big stumbling block.
The report claims that Lyon have slapped a €50 million price tag on the French international and Real Madrid are not prepared to pay such a sum for him, especially with priority targets Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe set to cost a bomb. With Juventus also in the running for Aouar, Real Madrid will hope to negotiate a lower fee for the 22-year-old, otherwise they could well lose out in this transfer battle.
