Arsenal risk missing out on Houssem Aouar as PSG step up their interest

The French midfielder was heavily linked with a move to the Emirates in the summer but remained with Lyon.

Posted Monday, December 14, 2020 by Express.co.uk

Arsenal face an increasingly difficult battle to land Lyon star Houssem Aouar with Paris Saint-Germain ready to step up their interest in the French midfielder. The Gunners held talks over a deal for the 22-year-old in the summer but in the final days of the summer transfer window, Lyon decided to end negotiations.

It was a significant blow for Mikel Arteta and Arsenal. Aouar, however, insisted he was happy to remain with the French side.

"It wasn't necessarily Arsenal and nothing else, even if in the end it looked something like that," told TF1. "I had to make a choice and I'm happy to stay here."

The France international continued: "I am happy to stay in Lyon. It's my city, my club. It's an immense source of pride to represent OL.

“I had a lot of discussions with [sporting director] Juninho. He shows confidence in me every day. Staying here for another season - or more - with him makes me very proud."

Houssem Aouar has been heavily linked with Arsenal

Aouar has made nine appearances for Lyon this season in Ligue 1, scoring twice and assisting a further two goals.

He remains a vitally important part of Rudi Garcia’s side and a January departure is not expected despite interest from several clubs across Europe.

However, according to RMC Sport, via Le10Sport, PSG plan to step up their interest in the spring and strike a deal that will see Aouar join the Ligue 1 champions next summer.

PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi is reportedly a big admirer of the midfielder, and the club’s sporting director, Leonardo, would also like to add the France international.

PSG boss Thomas Tuchel would also be in favour of bringing Aouar to the Parc des Princes.

“He could play for any side in the world,” the German coach said ahead of PSG’s clash with Lyon this evening.

“Aouar is a key player for OL and an important player for France. He is very talented, young and very strong. He’s decisive for Lyon.

“You know that we have a lot of respect for clubs and players, so we’re not going to talk about a transfer.”

If Arsenal are unable to land Aouar, they will almost certainly turn their attention to signing another midfielder in January.

The Gunners have struggled this term and currently sit 15th in the Premier League table, closer to the relegation zone than the Champions League places.

Arteta confirmed at the start of this month he and technical director Edu have already put plans in place ahead of the January transfer window. But the Spaniard appreciates it will not be easy to get deals done.

“We'll see what happens, I think things will move in the market, we will be prepared, we will need to do something knowing the limitations of that market in January and the limitations we have as well to sign players.”