Newcastle face competition from Atletico to sign £13m star rated by Messi

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Atletico Madrid have reportedly joined the race to sign Olympique Lyonnais star Houssem Aouar, with Newcastle United also interested in the France international.

According to Estadio Deportivo, the Spanish giants have entered the growing competition to sign the midfielder ahead of the January transfer window, with Aouar’s contract set to expire in the summer as clubs around Europe look to land a bargain in the winter.

Rated at £13m according to L’Equipe, Aouar was close to a surprise move to Nottingham Forest in the summer. However, a deal collapsed at the final hurdle as the midfielder remains at Lyon, though it is now expected that the 24-year-old will leave France in January as interest begins to mount.

Atletico are far from away the only club interested in signing Aouar. As well as Newcastle, CalcioMercatoWeb have recently reported that Arsenal remain keen on the France international, with Juventus and Real Betis also eager to land the Lyon superstar in January.

Once hailed by Lionel Messi for his abilities on the ball as per Football London, Atletico would be an ideal destination for Aouar given their regular success in La Liga as well as their consistent participation in the UEFA Champions League. Yet Newcastle could offer some strong competition.

Indeed, Newcastle’s signings since their PIF takeover have been nothing short of impressive. And after landing Aouar’s former teammate Bruno Guimaraes last January, the Frenchman could be tempted to reunite with the Brazilian midfielder in the northeast with Eddie Howe.

Atletico will have to work hard to beat Newcastle to Aouar signing

Atletico’s status as one of the biggest clubs in Europe will give them confidence in landing a deal for Aouar. However, this doesn’t guarantee Diego Simeone’s side the signing the club will be hoping for in January, especially with Newcastle still sniffing around.

As we know, Newcastle have the money to land their prime targets. And if Howe views Aouar as such a player, Atletico could struggle to sign the midfielder if the Magpies come out the gates firing to bring the Lyon star to the Premier League next year.