Fabrizio Romano has said on The Arsenal Lounge that the only way Arsenal can sign Houssem Aouar is if they qualify for the Champions League.
The well-known and well-respected journalist, who works for The Guardian and SkySport, has claimed that the Lyon midfielder wants to play in the Champions League next season.
The Gunners are unlikely to finish in the top four of the Premier League table this season, but Mikel Arteta’s side are still in the Europa League.
Winning the Europa League this season would see Arsenal qualify for the 2021-22 Champions League campaign, and Romano has claimed that it is the only way that the Gunners would be able to tempt the France international to the Emirates Stadium.
Calciomercato reported last month that Arsenal and Manchester City are interested in securing the services of the Lyon star in the summer of 2021, as covered by HITC Sport.
Romano said on The Arsenal Lounge: “Aouar wants to play in the Champions League. 100%. He wants to be in the Champions League. So let’s see what happens.
“If Arsenal win the Europa League, let’s see if they can try for sure, they will have the player. But the player 100% wants to play in the Champions League.”
Houssem Aouar to Arsenal?
Lyon are regulars in the Champions League and could win the Ligue 1 title this season.
If Arsenal are unable to qualify for the Champions League or convince Aouar that they can challenge for the Premier League title in the coming years, then it is hard to see the 22-year-old make the move to the Emirates Stadium.
Described as “incredible” by City manager Pep Guardiola on BBC Sport in November 2018, the youngster would not be short of offers if he decides to leave Lyon in the summer of 2021.
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