Who is Houssem Aouar? Meet the French sensation who could catapult Arsenal back into the top four
Arsenal may have opened its 2020 Premier League season with a convincing 3-0 win against Fulham, but that hasn't stopped manager, Mikel Arteta from going forward with his plans of bolstering the midfield as he looks to sign Lyon's rising star, Houssem Aouar. Although the latest update says the team and Artete are gunning for the immensely talented midfield, they're also set to face some stiff competition from Manchester City. That said, should the Gunners sign Aouar, it will definitely boost their chances of finishing in the top four.
The 22-year-old has been on the radar of top-tier teams as he was instrumental in Lyon's journey to the Champions League semifinals last season. Reports suggested Aouar's scintillating display against City in a game that ended with a 2-2- draw had manager Pep Guardiola impressed. Arteta, who was his assistant at the time also reportedly spent time with the midfielder in the corridors at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais stadium taking notes, reports The Sun.
Recent reports suggest the Arsenal manager is said to be ready to sell three members of Arsenal's first team in their bid to get Aouar. The wonderkid made his debut in 2017 against AZ Alkmaar in a round of 32 of the knockout phase of the UEFA Europa League, replacing Sergi Darder after 84 minutes. He scored his first goal for Lyon's first team a week later in the second-leg match against AZ Alkmaar which Lyon won 7–1. Aouar has worked his way up as one of the integral parts of Bruno Genesio's setup.
Goal outlines him as a multifaceted player as he plays from an array of different positions. Previously, he was asked to play left-wing and make box-to-box plays and he's done well in both roles. "I’ve always played in the middle, so the role of hard-working midfielder is the one that I like the most,” he said, according to the site. “But I like the left-wing, too. It allows me to work and to develop other skills. I’ll adapt to anything. It doesn’t matter where I play, I know it’s my chance and I’ll play anywhere to take it!”
For Arsenal, signing Aouar will be an ideal move as it strengthens the midfield and his ability to create scoring opportunities bodes well for Arteta and his men. The youngster also comes with the skill of weaving in and out expertly and is adept at creating passing lanes despite a tough defensive line. This is instrumental for the Gunners as they will be keen to wipe off memories of the last season. Finishing eighth was something no one foresaw and Arteta will be looking for a shot at the title this time.
Aouar comes with a hefty price tag. Lyon has an ask of $5,68,32,600 (£44M) for Aouar, though Arsenal has already spent a substantial amount to sign Pablo Mari, Cedric Soares, Gabriel, and Willian, as well signing a new deal to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Do you think Arsenal would benefit by signing Aouar? The side will meet West Ham at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, September 19, 2020.