Arsenal have reportedly lodged a €25 million proposal for Houssem Aouar, which Lyon are expected to approve and let the midfielder move to the Emirates.
According to Calciomercato, Arsenal have submitted an offer for Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar worth €25 million. The bid seems to be in the range of the French club’s asking price, as the Gunners hope to complete this transfer as soon as possible. However, the bid is yet to be accepted as further updates are awaited.
Aouar has been mentioned as a possible target for Arsenal for the better part of two years. Despite being heavily linked with a move last summer, the North London side opted to sign Thomas Partey from Atletico Madrid on deadline day, after Lyon rejected their advances for the 23-year-old.
Back then, Lyon demanded upwards of €40 million from interested parties, and it is believed Aouar himself reportedly chose to stay put, thinking other big clubs could show interest. Juventus, Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid were all touted as possible destinations, although none of those clubs have shown a lot of intent this summer.
Such a situation leaves Lyon in a fix, as the Ligue 1 side hopes to move some of their stars and generate necessary funds to solve their financial problem. Aouar has two years left on his current deal, and his club have decided to slash his asking price from last summer considerably and are ready to accept anything between €20 million and €25 million.
In recent weeks, Arsenal have seemingly rekindled their interest after accepting defeat in their chase for other targets. Aouar seems like a backup option for the Gunners after being heavily linked with a host of other midfielders with a similar profile.
Ruben Neves was an important target to replace Granit Xhaka, but his price tag is deemed expensive by the Arsenal board. Their other primary target is Manuel Locatelli, with Sassuolo CEO also admitting to receiving an approach from the North London side. However, the Gunners are aware of Locatelli’s preference to join Juventus, although the Turin club are yet to make a substantial offer.
That leaves Arsenal with Aouar as their only other substantial target, and at the reported price range, they would have no problems re-entering the chase. The report suggests the Gunners have already lodged an offer for the 23-year-old, although it is unclear whether it’s official yet.
Mikel Arteta will be happy to accommodate Aouar as the manager seeks a fresh approach from his midfield. The club are also very close to signing Albert Sambi Lokonga as a replacement for Matteo Guendouzi. Still, COVID-19 rules and protocols might delay the actual announcement of the deal.
Aouar is the player who could appropriately replace Xhaka, as both play in a similar position. The French international does have a more attacking character to him than the Swiss captain. If Arsenal’s reported offer is accurate, then Lyon would have no hesitation in accepting it as things stand.
