Podolski(迷Ozil)
2021-07-20 00:03:20
Houssem Aouar to Arsenal transfer: Midfielder makes key decision, agent statement, £17m fee
All the very latest on the future of Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar as Arsenal reportedly rekindle their interest in the talented 23-year-old Frenchman
Signing a new central attacking-midfielder is one of several priorities for Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta this summer.
The Gunners chief is desperate to change the landscape of his squad and bringing in a new midfield playmaker is one of his main focuses.
After finding out that Martin Odegaard is poised to remain at Real Madrid and not seal a return to the Emirates Stadium, the Gunners have rekindled their interest in signing Lyon ace Houssem Aouar.
The France international was regularly linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium last summer, but the Gunners were unable to match Lyon's demands, with them looking to secure more than £50million for his signature.
However, the French club's stance on his future has now seemingly changed, with Lyon ready to accept a much lower fee.
With that in mind, here is a round-up of everything we know so far concerning Aouar's future and Arsenal's interest in his signature.
£20m price
In June, it was reported by The Sun that Arsenal were preparing themselves to launch a fresh bid to try and bring Aouar to north London this summer.
The highly-rated midfield architect, who was heavily linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium a year ago, before the Gunners opted to sign Thomas Partey instead, could leave Lyon this summer following the club's failure to reach the 2021/22 UEFA Champions League.
It was claimed that their failure to get into Europe's top club competition would see Aouar's price slashed to just £20million, representing a potential bargain buy for any suitor.
While the Gunners are reportedly keen on signing him this summer, their inability to offer European football could be a problem.
Aouar agent response
Arsenal fans took to social media on Friday excited as they thought Aouar's brother, who is his agent, was in London to discuss a move to the Emirates stadium.
However, journalist Bilel Ghazi denied these claims, taking to his Twitter account to post: “Except that it is not the brother of Houssem Aouar. Just a friend.”
Aouar himself showed that Ghazi was right by deciding to retweet the statement via his own account, causing Gunners' faithful to voice their frustrations at the situation as they clearly want to sign the 23-year-old.
He then took to Instagram to further refute the rumours via a story stating: “Guys leave him. He is one of my best friends, not my real brother. By the way… not my agent also."
Arsenal make opening 'offer'
Despite Aouar quashing rumours suggesting that he was eager to leave the Ligue 1 club, Arsenal have now lodged a formal bid for the Frenchman.
That is according to Le 10 Sport, who claim the Gunners have submitted a 'formal offer' and that talks are 'progressing well'.
According to the report, the Gunners hope to sign Aouar for somewhere between £17million and £21.4million.
Tottenham join race
New Spurs' boss Nuno Espirito Santo reportedly wants to bring a creative midfielder to the team this summer as he aims to bridge the gap between the north London side and last season's top four.
French outlet Le 10 Sport claims that the Portuguese coach may try to hijack Arsenal's deal for Aouar after joining the race for his signature.
Gunners presented with golden opportunity
Signing Aouar has been a long-term aspiration of Arsenal's, as we all know only too well.
Now, though, Arsenal could land Aouar for as little as just £17million. That is according to reports, which claim the French club has discovered that Aouar has no plans to be part of new manager Peter Bosz's squad this season.
Lyon want £21.5million to part with Aouar, but it is believed a £17million offer could be enough.