Mikel Arteta is keen on bringing Houssem Aouar to Arsenal this summer, despite concerns raised in-house by the club's recruitment team.
Despite lengthy negotiations for Aouar's signature last summer, Arsenal opted against paying Lyon’s reported asking price of €60million (£55.5m), instead deciding to complete the signing of Thomas Partey.
However, due to a lack of progression made in their pursuit of James Maddison, Arsenal are likely to reignite their interest in the Frenchman.
Due to French football's financial crisis, stars of French clubs not named Paris Saint-Germain will be available for a cut-price this summer, with Lyon keen to bring in some much-needed cash.
Do you think Arsenal should sign Houssem Aouar? Let us know in the comments.
But according to The Athletic, some figures at Arsenal have significant doubts about Aouar as a player and believe his personality does not fit their ideal profile.
That said, at just €25m, Aouar is seen as a cost-efficient alternative to James Maddison.
The midfielder was not a guaranteed starter for Rudi Garcia’s Lyon side last campaign as he struggled to get over a bout of COVID-19 at the start of the 2020-21 season, as well as a niggling thigh injury that often prevents him from playing the entirety of a match.
At only 22, Aouar is already into his fifth season as a Lyon first-team player, yet some believe he is starting to stagnate.
He fell slightly off the boil last season but still managed to register seven goals in 30 Ligue 1 appearances in a Lyon side that were excellent in spells but struggled to maintain a title-winning consistency.
In an interview with L’Equipe in March, former Lyon manager Alain Perrin questioned: “He may have trouble motivating himself for small matches.
“He has the talent; it’s not a question of abilities but rather of state of mind. It’s not easy to motivate a player like this; I experienced it with Dimitri (Payet) in Saint-Étienne and Hatem (Ben Arfa) in Lyon.
“A good professional must be able to respond even if he doesn’t show his talent in every game.”
Elsewhere, interest in Sheffield United keeper Aaron Ramsdale appears to have cooled due to Arsenal refusing to pay the £35million asking price.
While Ramsdale is envisaged as a potential future number one for the North London club, it is believed that Arteta will now turn his attentions to Barcelona back-up Neto, according to The Athletic.
The Brazilian has made only nine league appearances for the Blaugrana since signing from Valencia for €26m in 2019. However, Barcelona are still in need of cutting their wage budget to complete the signings of Sergio Aguero and co.
Arsenal will continue to look for a playmaker following the departure of the on-loan Martin Odegaard, who has now returned to Real Madrid.
Though it is believed Maddison would be very open to moving to North London, Arsenal have been put off by the £60m transfer tag placed on the Englishman.
Do you want an exclusive pre-season preview of YOUR club - both in your inbox and through your letterbox? Head over here to find out more and secure your copy
.png?w=600)
