The Gunners are weighing their chances of reigniting their interest in Lyon’s Houssem Aouar. But the primary obstacle is that the club need to offload players before they can come up with a proper bid for the French midfielder, according to ESPN.
While Aouar is on Arsenal’s shortlist for a long time, reports in France suggest that the North London outfit have not made an official bid for the 23-year-old. Arsenal are looking to overhaul their midfield with some players departing the club and several others are on their way out. The complete process of departure will mean that they can pursue their targets.
Among departures, Matteo Guendouzi, who spent the last season on loan at Hertha Berlin, has joined Olympique Marseille on another loan deal with an option to make it permanent. The club are also listening to offers for Uruguayan midfielder Lucas Torreira whereas Granit Xhaka is on his way out as talks intensify between his representatives and AS Roma.
There are major uncertainties over the future of young midfielder Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Joe Willock. Martin Odegaard who spent the last season in North London on loan will not be returning for the upcoming season.
Arsenal are in advanced talks with Anderlecht’s Belgian youngster Albert Sambi Lokonga. The young midfielder is one of the most sought after players at his age and the Gunners are finalising a deal with Anderlecht for £15m plus add-ons. However, offloading more players will generate more funds with which they can sign Aouar.
According to ESPN, Lyon are ready to listen to offers in the region of €25m for the French midfielder. Also, Arsenal are not the only club interested in the 23-year-old. There is keen interest from PSG and also an unknown Spanish outfit.
Aouar, who has two years left in his current agreement, is tipped to make a move to the Premier League, and Arsenal looks like the club he will be suited to. He will partner Thomas Partey in midfield and will more or less get a first-team secured role.
In January, Aouar was more inclined towards moving to either Barcelona or Real Madrid. However, either of those deals failed to materialise, and now it seems Arsenal have the best chance to sign the talented midfielder.
