According to The Athletic, Arsenal have enquired about signing Houssem Aouar on loan from Lyon, amid interest from Tottenham and Liverpool.
What’s the story?
Well, the 23-year-old was a leading target for the Gunners last season.
Arsenal and Aouar were involved in one of the biggest transfer sagas in 2020, although Lyon eventually held firm and kept their No.8.
Now, following the financial impacts of COVID-19, the Ligue 1 outfit are prepared to sell for just €25m (£21.2m).
The Athletic claim that those at Arsenal accept it’s a fantastic opportunity for that price.
However, at this stage, the north Londoners have – strangely – only enquired about taking the 1-cap France international on loan.
Could Arsenal lose out to Tottenham or Liverpool?
Interestingly, Arsenal’s Premier League rivals Tottenham and Liverpool are also said to be interested in Aouar.
A senior France international, who’s in the infancy of his career, is available for just £21.2m, so Arsenal are playing a risky game enquiring about loan deals.
If they truly want Aouar, Edu and Mikel Arteta should pay up.
In our view, it’s confusing as to why they haven’t already done so.
The Athletic believe Arsenal developed concerns over Aouar while scouting him, hence why their interest has waned.
However, even then, this is a bargain – should things not work out, the midfielder could surely be sold for profit.
If we were in charge at the Emirates Stadium, we’d make a bid for Aouar today – he is a fantastic player, with the potential to become a superstar.
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