Lyon reportedly eye move for play-maker amid speculation surrounding Arsenal linked Aouar

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It is no secret that Arsenal are interested in signing Lyon’s Houssem Aouar.

The French outfit’s sporting director Juninho confirmed Arsenal’s interest in the midfielder, and the Gunners have very little competition in the race (RMC Sport).

L’Equipe revealed last month that Lyon are looking for a fee in the region of £54 million. That is a lot of money in the current financial climate and Arsenal are the only ones to have contacted the Ligue 1 side to discuss a potential move (RMC Sport).

Aouar is one of Lyon’s prized possession. The Frenchman was directly involved in 19 goals in all competitions last season, and it is no surprise that he is of interest to a number of big clubs.

Losing a player of Aouar’s quality would be a big blow. If the play-maker does leave this summer, Lyon will need to bring in a quality player to fill that void.

Have Lyon identified Aouar’s replacement?

If reports are to be believed, the French giants are already in talks to sign a new number 10. CalcioMercato claim that Lyon are keen to sign AC Milan’s Lucas Paqueta this summer.

The report claims that the Brazilian attacking midfielder is ‘a passion’ of Juninho, who is the driving force behind the move. Paqueta will cost in the region of £21 million; a fairly high fee for a backup number 10.

The only way this signing would make sense is if Lyon lose one of their own play-makers. Jeff Reine-Adelaide is reportedly on the move but the former Arsenal man played just eight times as an attacking midfielder last term.

That leaves Lyon with Houssem Aouar. If the Frenchman stays, Lyon have no real need to sign a new attacking midfielder. However, their reported interest in a new play-maker may mean that they are preparing for life without their star midfielder.

That is a huge boost for Arsenal if true. Mikel Arteta’s side have lacked creativity in the final third; something that was evident in the game against West Ham on Saturday. A player of Aouar’s quality will solve that issue, which makes this deal a hugely important one for the Gunners.