According to RMC Sport, Crystal Palace are most likely to sign Nottingham Forest target Houssem Aouar if he does depart Lyon before tonight’s 11pm deadline.
What’s the story?
Well, it was said that Nottingham Forest had agreed personal terms with the France international, who is available for just £13m having already entered the final 12 months of his contract.
However, the Premier League newcomers were not willing to meet Lyon’s asking price – in fact, it is believed that the Ligue 1 outfit were shocked by their offer of £10m spread across six payments.
Now, RMC Sport believe Aouar will be staying at Lyon, barring any late approaches from the Premier League.
Interestingly, Crystal Palace are the only English side named by the French news outlet who could make a fresh approach, although Nottingham Forest are still mentioned in the report due to their previous interest.
Aouar has played just 30 minutes of football in Ligue 1 for Lyon this season, and has been left out of the last four matchday squads.
Crystal Palace must sign Nottingham Forest target
In our view, we can’t understand why there is so little interest in Aouar given the low asking price.
It was only in 2021 that Arsenal submitted a £35m bid for the Frenchman, and Lyon fought desperately to fend off the Gunners.
Aouar hasn’t just become a bad player overnight, so we aren’t quite sure why Arsenal – or other clubs – haven’t jumped at the opportunity to sign him.
The Lyon No.8 is just 24 years of age, boasts 15 Champions League appearances – and impressively, ten goal involvements in the competition – while he is also a senior international for France.
At Crystal Palace, Patrick Vieira is still relying on the likes of Luka Milivojevic – who failed to impress after being introduced against Brentford on Tuesday – and has also lost Conor Gallagher.
Therefore, another midfielder is definitely needed at Selhurst Park.
Keep an eye on developments, as Aouar could be a Crystal Palace player by midnight if a bid is made.
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