Mikel Arteta’s midfield needs enhancements ahead of next season as the middle of the park looked considerably weak towards the end of the last campaign. The summer transfer window will create an excellent opportunity for Arteta to strengthen the midfield.
The Gunners could have key access to Houssem Aouar, a player who the club has been linked with. This comes after reports from French news outlet Foot Mercato that Corentin Tolisso held discussions with Lyon over a free transfer. The move is reportedly progressing well.
With Lyon signing a midfielder, it could allow the French club to sell Aouar as they already have a replacement lined up for the Frenchman. Aouar would certainly improve Arsenal’s midfield and it is a transfer that Edu should look to explore.
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According to French news outlet Foot Mercato, Real Betis are interested in signing Aouar in the summer. The report goes on to say that Lyon valued him at £12.6m. Earlier in the season, Italian news outlet Calciomercato claimed that the Gunners are keen on signing Aouar. The midfielder has changed his agent which could be a game-changer from the previous attempt to sign him.
The north London side has seemed to target players who have excellent ball carrying skills. With Thomas Partey anchoring the midfield and Martin Odegaard being tasked with leading the team in creating chances, having a midfielder who can successfully carry the ball from defence to midfield is crucial.
The Lyon man managed to score seven goals from midfield in 30 league games last season. This was more than the goals scored in the league by Arsenal’s central midfield combined (5).
It shows he would be excellent in the number eight role that is currently occupied by Granit Xhaka. The French international dribbled past 55 players last season, whilst current Arsenal central midfielder, Xhaka dribble passed 11.
Despite his knack for goals which is impressive for a midfielder, it is his ability to be press resistant that is most impressive about him. In arguably what is his greatest strength, Aouar has a similar ball-retention to PSG midfielder Marco Veratti and with Arteta favouring a slow build-up possession orientated system, he would fit perfectly into the side.
Arsenal have attempted to sign midfielders from Lyon in the past in Bruno Guimaraes and Lucas Paqueta, so if the club does pursue a deal for Aouar, then Edu must ensure that the club avoids embarrassment for the third time.
Aouar would be an excellent signing by Arsenal and it is a deal they should be pursuing. The Gunners will need strengthening in the midfield position, and the Lyon man would be an ideal candidate judging by the types of midfielders that Edu has been targeting ahead of next season. A transfer value of £12.6m would be a steal for the Gunners and prevents Edu from being financially strained when looking to strengthen other areas of the team.
