There wasn’t a bigger transfer saga last summer than Arsenal trying to sign Lyon star Houssem Aouar. The Gunners were linked with a move for the Frenchman all summer, but Edu couldn’t get a deal over the line.
Arsenal even tabled a couple of bids for the playmaker. Some rumours claimed that Lyon turned all our offers down, while others claim that it was Aouar who rejected a move to the Emirates because we couldn’t offer Champions League football.
Either way, Arteta didn’t get his man and Aouar failed to get his big move. He had no choice but to stay at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais, and for whatever reason, he had a shocking campaign at Lyon last season.
The 23-year-old scored just eight goals and provided four assists all campaign. That’s not an awful record, but it’s nowhere near good enough for a player who was valued in excess of £50 million last year.
It always seemed unlikely that Arsenal would go back in for Aouar, but an exclusive from The Sun last month said otherwise. The report revealed that the Gunners are still keen to sign the Frenchman, who is now available for just £20 million.
It’s unclear if Arsenal really do want Aouar this summer, but one thing is certain, he is desperate to leave Lyon.
Arsenal target Houssem Aouar is desperate to leave Lyon
Get French Football News revealed last night that Aouar wants to leave Lyon so bad that he is refusing to show up for pre-season training. Les Gones have officially claimed that the playmaker is sick, but the report rubbishes that claim.
A meeting with new boss Peter Bosz didn’t go well, according to the report, and he hasn’t been anywhere near the training ground since. Aouar wants out of Lyon this summer and it looks like he’s prepared to do everything he possibly can to get his wish.
Arsenal fans, predictably, are excited with this news. Here’s how a few Gooners reacted on Twitter…
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