Olympique Lyon’s sporting director Juninho spoke to RMC Sport about Arsenal’s reported interest in Houssem Aouar.
The Gunners are on the market for a couple of new midfielders. Thomas Partey has been been linked for quite a while now and he has been described by many as Arsenal’s top target this summer.
However, Mikel Arteta is also on the lookout for a new attacking midfielder and Aouar is reportedly high on his wish list. Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano revealed on Lee Gunners’ YouTube channel that the Gunners boss ‘is in love with’ the Frenchman and talks have begun.
Edu has made the first move
Juninho confirmed today that Arsenal have been in discussions with the Lyon for Aouar but their initial proposal has been rejected by the French giants.
He said: “I get along very well with the sports director (Edu Gaspar). We spoke on the phone. Houssem Aouar is really appreciated by Arteta. There have been some discussions for Matteo Guendouzi who is also a good player.”
“But this is not the profile that we need, we were very clear. If it is like that, it does not interest us at all.”
It seems like a swap deal is out of the equation now and Arsenal will have to splash the cash if they want to sign Aouar this summer. The Frenchman is one of Lyon’s most valuable players and their asking price will make it extremely difficult for the Gunners to go through with the deal.
L’Equipe reported last month that Lyon want a fee in the region of £54 million for their star player. That is a lot of money and it could well be beyond Arsenal’s reach considering the current financial climate.
The good news, however, for Arsenal is that they are the only club to have held discussions for Aouar. Manchester City and Juventus have been linked but Edu’s early move and his relationship with Juninho could help the Gunners get their man in the coming weeks.
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