Arsenal have been given the incentive to try and finally sign Houssem Aouar from Lyon. It is a deal that has long been in the works, but due to the problems of Edu’s other midfield transfer targets, he would certainly be an ideal signing.
According to Italian news outlet Corriere Dello Sport, The Gunners are set to face competition to sign Fabian Ruiz. Teams from his native country, Barcelona and Real Madrid are also set to battle for his signature.
With Ruiz likely to choose a team from La Liga, Arsenal will need to look elsewhere. Aouar would be the perfect player for the number eight role, and it is a deal that would certainly make sense.
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According to Italian news outlet Calciomercato, the Gunners are keen on signing Aouar. The midfielder has changed his agent which could be a deal changer from the previous attempt to sign the midfielder.
Aouar, a creative player who Arsenal desperately tried to sign in the in 2020 was also subject to interest in the most recent summer transfer window. Transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano speaking on The Arsenal Lounge at the start of the season said: "Aouar is a player they [Arsenal] love. They like Aouar. They are still waiting to see what happens with Lyon,"
The Lyon man managed 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 last season (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.
Aouar would be an excellent signing by Arsenal and it is a deal they should have been pursuing regardless of the interest in Ruiz by a host of La Liga clubs. The Gunners will need strengthen in the midfield position, and the Lyon midfielder would be an ideal candidate.
