According to L’Equipe, Crystal Palace are now keen to sign Arsenal target Houssem Aouar despite his agreement with Nottingham Forest.
What’s the story?
Well, the French news outlet believe Nottingham Forest have agreed a five-year contract with the France international.
However, the Premier League newcomers are still a few million away from agreeing a fee with Lyon, who are hoping to receive €15m (£13m) for Aouar – Nottingham Forest have only offered €10m (£8m) as things stand.
It comes amid interest from Arsenal, who have tracked the Lyon No.8 since 2020.
Now, however, there is a new club on the scene – Crystal Palace.
L’Equipe believe the south Londoners are now keen to sign Aouar, as Patrick Vieira aims to improve his midfield options following the departures of Conor Gallagher and Cheikhou Kouyate.
The 24-year-old has entered the final 12 months of his contract in Lyon – hence the low valuation – and represents a very interesting market opportunity for the Eagles.
Crystal Palace must beat Arsenal & Nottingham Forest to Houssem Aouar
In our view, this could be a transformative signing for Crystal Palace.
Vieira lacks technical ability in his midfield beyond Eberechi Eze and Cheick Doucoure, with Jeffrey Schlupp not exactly the type to take control of a game and dictate the tempo.
However, Aouar is.
Alongside Doucoure and Eze in a midfield three, and with the likes of Wilfried Zaha, Michael Olise and potentially Ismaila Sarr in attack, Crystal Palace could have a frightening front six if they sign the Lyon maestro.
For just £13m, Dougie Freedman – Director of Football at Selhurst Park – must get bidding.
Aouar boasts 15 Champions League appearances to his name – in which he has impressively registered ten goal involvements – while he also has one cap for France, which speaks volumes given the volume of world class options Didier Deschamps can choose from.
Keep an eye on this situation, as we will be very surprised if Aouar doesn’t change clubs before the August 31st deadline.
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