Arsenal are reportedly set to go head to head with Inter Milan in pursuit of Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar this summer.
A recent report from Calciomercato has offered an update on the future of Houssem Aouar. It appears the Lyon midfielder is set to pack his bags and leave France in the upcoming summer transfer window after failing to negotiate a contract extension with the club.
Aouar’s situation has put Arsenal on alert, although the Premier League giants are set to face stiff competition from Inter Milan. The report suggests the midfielder’s likely destination is either England or Italy, meaning we could be in for a fascinating transfer duel between these two sides.
Arsenal’s interest in Aouar dates back to last summer when the Gunners were looking to take advantage of Lyon’s financial situation. But a move did not materialise, with the north London outfit ultimately settling for just one new midfielder in the form of Albert Sambi Lokonga.
The former RSC Anderlecht starlet has not been able to make a huge difference at Emirates. He is only playing second fiddle to Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey. Given the lack of other alternatives, though, Mikel Arteta is desperate to shore up his options in the middle of the park, effectively adding more competition for the first-choice midfielders.
Arsenal have been linked with multiple players throughout the season so far, including the exciting Aston Villa prospect Carney Chukwuemeka. But in Houssem Aouar, the Gunners could find themselves an established midfielder who can offer more variety and spark in the middle of the park.
Having featured in over 200 competitive matches for Lyon, Aouar has vast experience at the highest level of football. The 23-year-old’s skill in possession, coupled with his technical brilliance, makes him an ideal fit for Arteta’s tactical setup. The midfielder is unlikely to cost a fortune either as his current deal at Lyon expires at the end of next season.
However, Arsenal cannot underestimate the challenge from Inter Milan in the pursuit of Houssem Aouar. The Nerazzurri are the reigning champions of Italy and are in contention for another Scudetto this campaign. Arsenal would thus need to offer an enticing sporting prospect to be able to lure Aouar, which makes it essential for them to finish inside the top four in the Premier League this term.
The Gunners are currently fourth in the league table, but with Manchester United, Tottenham and West Ham United breathing down their necks, Mikel Arteta’s men have no room for complacency as we head towards the final phase of the campaign.
