Houssem Aouar deal edges closer for Arsenal after two big developments
Arsenal are nudging ever nearer to a deal for Houssem Aouar after the Lyon star emerged as Mikel Arteta’s No 1 transfer target.
Arteta wants to revamp his midfield and wants Aouar as well as Atletico Madrid’s Thomas Partey.
Arsenal’s hopes of securing Aouar received a timely double lift earlier this week. As per Italian journalist Nicolo Schira, Aouar agreed a five-year deal with the Gunners two weeks ago.
He added that Arsenal are yet to agree a deal with Lyon, but they will now up their efforts to secure an agreement with the Ligue 1 side.
Now their chances appear to have moved forwards with the Gunners’ seeing their hopes further boosted.
According to Calciomercato, Lyon have now decided they won’t stand in the player’s way if Arsenal make an acceptable bid.
Although, not under any pressure to sell, Lyon know their captain has his heart set on a move to Arsenal.
As such, the Italian outlet claims Lyon have already identified his successor in the form of AC Milan star Lucas Paqueta.
The Brazilian playmaker was left out of their Europa League squad to face Shamrock Rovers and looks likely to leave.
Paqueta is rated in the £25m bracket. While talks are yet to get underway, it’s not thought a deal will be hard to negotiate.
Lyon are reported to be ready to sell Aouar for around £40m to help finance that deal.
Arteta was quizzed on his interest in the player, though opted to give little away.
“I cannot talk about players that aren’t at our football club,” Arteta insisted.
The Gunners boss, however, was more more forthcoming on their hunt for a new keeper.
Arsenal are closing on Runar Alex Runarsson following the £20m sale of Emiliano Martinez to Aston Villa.
“With the departure of Emi, a big loss, we have to replace him,” Arteta added. “In football, the hours can become days. I cannot tell you.
“Depending on what happens with the goalkeeping position. The market is still open but thinks can change.”
Aouar could prompt Arsenal tactics change
Signing Aouar would prove a huge coup for the Gunners, who are improving all the time under Arteta.
And French football expert ESPN pundit Julien Laurens also stated how Aouar would fit into Arsenal’s starting XI.
He believes there would be a tactical tweak from Arteta, saying: “I think the idea is to move to a 4-3-3 anyway at some time and then Aouar could play in midfield. Aouar can play in a 3-4-3, in the two in midfield.
“He runs a lot although he doesn’t have the defensive-minded approach.”
Read more here as well as details of Sead Kolasinac’s likely departure….
