Zidane’s Aouar concerns emerge, as Arteta lays plans for huge new bid

Houssem Aouar

Arsenal will ‘go with everything’ in a bid to bring Lyon playmaker Houssem Aouar to north London in the next transfer window, according to a report.

The Gunners showed firm interest in the Frenchman in the recent market, putting in a sizeable bid. However Lyon chief Jean-Michel Aulas described that offer as “timid” and wanted more.

Arsenal, though, chose not to increase their offer. Instead, Mikel Arteta ordered a deadline-day swoop for Thomas Partey, with the club activating the midfielder’s release clause.

That move cost £45million and meant the Gunners abandoned a move for Aouar – perhaps only until January.

Indeed, according to Don Balon, Arsenal will make a fresh, higher bid for the 22-year-old in the next transfer window.

The source says Arteta will make his move ‘as soon as the winter market opens’, with the Gunners having scouted Aoaur extensively in recent months.

Furthermore, Aouar is reportedly worth €55million (£49million), which has scared Real Madrid off from the player.

Should Arsenal’s new bid come in, Aouar’s stock will reportedly rise, meaning Madrid will definitely back off.

Houssem Aouar

Nevertheless, Los Blancos boss Zinedine Zidane reportedly has his own targets. The Frenchman is supposedly eyeing deals next summer for Kylian Mbappe and Edouardo Camavinga.

What’s more, Madrid are aware that Juventus remain firmly in the race for Aour and will be a January contender for his services.

Aouar has started the season for Lyon in impressive fashion. The midfielder has featured in all five Ligue 1 games to date, netting one goal.

What’s more, he has entered France coach Didier Deschamps’ thinking and earned his first cap in the recent international break.


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Mertesacker reveals Arsenal panic-buy

Mertesacker Ljungberg TEAMtalk

Meanwhile, Per Mertesacker has revealed that he signed for Arsenal as a panic-buy back in 2011.

The German arrived in north London after the Gunners’ poor start to the 2011/12 season, which culminated in the 8-2 defeat at Manchester United.

Mertesacker has now revealed how his move to Arsene Wenger’s side was “rushed”.

Read more…