Pete O’Rourke has claimed that Arsenal were ‘messed around’ by Lyon last summer in their bid to sign Houssem Aouar, but have returned with a lowball €20 Million.
The Gunners did sign Martin Odegaard on loan in January, after switching to a 4-2-3-1 formation which accommodated an attacking midfielder, but the Norwegian international is expected to stay with his parent club Real Madrid going into the upcoming campaign.
That certainly leaves room for a new addition for the role, with Emile Smith Rowe our only option who comes naturally into that position at present, although you could argue that the French midfielder is better suited to a deeper role.
Aouar could most definitely fit the mould of our squad, and bring that creativity that our team craves, and O’Rourke claims that we have returned for his signature this summer, although our current offer is unlikely to have ruffled the French giants feathers.
“He’s a talented player Aouar,” Pete told the Football Terrace Podcast(via the Express).
“They did get messed around a bit by Lyon, which didn’t go down too well with the Arsenal hierarchy.
“But he’s a talented player, I think he’d be happy to make the move to the Premier League and talks have happened between the two clubs.
“Arsenal have made a cheeky bid of around €20 Million, which is never going to be enough for a player like Houssem Aouar.
“I think Lyon are holding out for closer to €30 or €35 Million for this deal to happen.”
Aouar is certainly an exciting option to add to our teamsheet, with us having lacked creativity at times, but the way the situation faltered out last summer, I’m not sure the two clubs would be able to meet on the same page.
Will Lyon have to change their stance for this deal to have any real possibility? Is there better options out there for a similar price?
Patrick
Aouar seems to me like more a CM to me. I’d think signing Aouar+Madison would benefit us more than say Bissouma/Locatelli+Madison.
OT, this is a response to Fabian Fernandez on another article.
Midfielders that can be better than Xhaka? Please tell me why over the last two years none has actually been able to consistently fil in for him. I mean AMN benched Kolasinac, Saka Benched Pepe.
Even Partey was unable to consistently progress the ball without the safety net of Xhaka around.
I think we should upgrade on him, but I don’t think we should just throw him away without a plan.
Agree…The euros shows how a good player Xhaka IS even though that he’s a bit of a flop with us
Over the last two seasons, I’ve noticed one thing. He’s been played with awkward roles.
With Ramsey, he was required to be a single pivot DM with Ramsey running off to go join the attack.
With Torreira, at first it worked with him sweeping up behind Torreira’s donkey work. I think the issue came when Torreira sort of fell off the boil and Unai made it worse.
Towards the end of Arteta’s first season, he did well in more of a role similar to what he does for switzerland. Working as support in both attack and defense. It worked, we won an FA cup.
Last season, we saw his best when he was played in a role that was in his own words “better for him because the whole game opened up in front of him”. I think Arteta has used him well. I think we should get an upgrade, but I’ll not join in on the bashing.
Do you think we’ll really get two midfielders tho? Knowing Arsenal that is very unlikely. Chances are that Lokonga and somebody else will be it. No reason to have expecetations that Arsenal will do something extraordinary this summer.
It surprises me that my fellow gooners are confused about Xhacka. That he plays well for Switzeland but a liability at Arsenal . Its not only us even.experienced pundits don’t rate him. I trust Arteta on this one and Lokonga will replace him properly. It can’t be coincidence that fans and pundits think he is more of a liability at Arsenal. Good luck to him.
experience pundits?
they cant even make 2 dribbles and go about on air criticising other professionals
a player top the stats, get into team of the year, first choice among managers…..and etc but not good enough for fans and so call ‘know it all’ pundits
Xhaka goes we are getting 2 more. than Lokonga obviously. 3 more would be speculation and entirely possible, 2 is guaranteed.
It surprises me that my fellow gooners are confused about Xhacka. That he plays well for Switzeland but a liability at Arsenal . Its not only us even.experienced pundits don’t rate him. I trust Arteta on this one and Lokonga will replace him properly. It can’t be coincidence that fans and pundits think he is more of a liability at Arsenal. Good luck to him.