Fabrizio Romano has said on The Arsenal Lounge why Houssem Aouar did not join Arsenal last summer.
The well-known and well-respected journalist has claimed that Aouar wanted to play in the Champions League, and Arsenal were not in it.
Back in September 2020, Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas said that he had turned down a bid from Arsenal for the 22-year-old midfielder, as quoted in The Guardian.
Romano said on The Arsenal Lounge: “I remember last summer the situation of Aouar of Lyon. He wanted to play 100% European football and Champions League football, and that’s why Arsenal had no chance to sign him. Also they were negotiating, but the player was not 100% convinced because of this.”
So if Aouar did not join Arsenal last summer because of no Champions League football, what are the chances that he will change his mind now?
According to L’Equipe (print edition, page 6, May 8, 2021), the Frenchman is open to leaving Lyon this summer.
In March, Calciomercato reported that Arsenal and Manchester City are interested in securing the services of the 22-year-old this summer, as covered by HITC Sport.
Liverpool are also interested in the youngster, according to a report in Goal.com in March.
Arsenal will not play in the Champions League this season.
It is hard to see Aouar’s stance having changed since last summer, and the Gunners may not be able to convince him… again.
The youngster reportedly has interest from City, who can offer him Champions League football and also the chance to win major silverware.
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