Arsenal target Houssem Aouar has been left out of France’s squad for the November international break with coach Didier Deschamps choosing Nabil Fekir instead, according to 20Minutes.
There’s a certain irony to a situation which sees a current Gunners target left at home in favour of a man who was snubbed by the London giants as recently as 2019.
According to the Mirror, Arsenal turned down the chance to sign World Cup winner Fekir before he swapped Lyon for Real Betis in an £18 million deal.
Now, Fekir hasn’t exactly set the world alight at the Estadio Benito Villamarin of late.
In eight La Liga matches this season, he has produced one goal and one assists with even manager Manuel Pellegrini admitting that he expected more from Betis’s most gifted footballer.
But perhaps it is Fekir’s international experience which has given him the edge over the younger Aouar.
Maybe it is the fact that Deschamps feels a little safer with the 24-cap veteran than with a youngster who made his one and only France appearance in October.
“In (Aouar’s) position, I have Nabil Fekir,” Deschamps said when asked why the Lyon star was omitted.
“Do you often watch Betis matches? In this somewhat specific position, I consider that Nabil gives more guarantees.”
Aouar has started the 2020/21 campaign a little sluggishly himself of course though the 22-year-old can still consider himself a little hard done by.
He was both effervescent and energetic during France’s 7-1 thumping of Ukraine last month, with his set-pieces proving to be a particular threat.
France Football adds that Arteta sees Aouar as Arsenal’s answer to Kevin de Bruyne though whether the Gunners are willing to pay the £40 million Lyon want in January remains to be seen.
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