Premier League legend likens Arsenal’s transfer target to Samir Nasri
Houssem Aouar’s name has been constantly thrown around the ring by news outlets as well as the Arsenal fans in the current shop window.
For some reason, the Gunners are restraining themselves to go all out for the 23-year-old Frenchman who has been impressive in the Ligue 1.
Aouar has 32 goals and 31 assists to his name so far for Lyon in 170 appearances, which are admirable numbers considering he has played majority of his career as a number eight in France.
Arsenal & Tottenham among the clubs which enquired about Houssem Aouar without making an offer until now https://t.co/IjDbgwjlp5
— Don Draper (@arsenalbarclays) July 16, 2021
However, two years left on his contract and the bleak financial situation of Les Gones have not been enough to fully convince technical director Edu and the club’s board to fork out the €25-30 million it will require to land the midfielder.
Despite the club’s hesitancy, many believe that Aouar can come good in the Premier League. One of them is former Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand.
Speaking to BT Sport last year, the iconic England defender said, “He [Aouar] provides creativity in this team (Lyon).”
Ferdinand believes Aouar is a very confident player
"The confidence is what exudes out of this boy."
"He's the heart of that midfield. If he has a good day they have a chance."
Houssem Aouar is on the lips of @GaryLineker, @rioferdy5 and Owen Hargreaves. It's clear to see why! 🤩#Club2020 pic.twitter.com/fd8euz3IHB
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) August 19, 2020
“A kid so young but he’s relied upon so much. That shows the belief they’ve got in him and the belief he has in himself. You see his imagination and the pictures he creates and sees on the pitch, the vision and the tactical awareness.
“The confidence is what exudes out of this boy. He’s a fabulous player to watch. He drives past people and then it’s about decision-making and the timing of the pass.
“He has it all. He reminds me of [former Arsenal and Manchester City star] Samir Nasri at times.”
That is a huge praise for Aouar, especially from who it came from. Ferdinand also believes that he can be a pivotal player in any big team across Europe due to his talent.
It still remains to be seen whether Arsenal end up pursuing the deal for him. They need to start making bold decisions.
If they are not seriously interested in him then the club should look at other names on the list. And if he is considered a serious target, then they should act fast to avoid another club running away with him.
Yash Bisht
While choosing Nasri is good to attract some good old Nasri bashing to be fair Samir Nasri is from a different era.
Like a a hundred years ago.
Ancelotti was winning the league at Chelsea.
Sunderland Stoke Fulham Birmingham Blackburn Wigan Hull Westbrom Bolton and Portsmouth were in the Premier League.
A more relevent comparison would be to
ask will Aour be the new Jack Wilshere the new Ozil the new Guendouzie the new Joe Willock the new Ceballos the new Odegaard.
Nobody knows. Why not loan him and find out?
I like the Lyon player
Not sure what Edu and Arteta are trying to do.
Hesitate to pay the fee for Auoar; he would have more impact than Neves.
Auoar would not only balance the midfield, but has proven he can score goals and improve our woeful attack.
Maybe even help get Auba firing again.
Neves is basically a replacement for Xhaka; slow, good passer, but offers little to solve our attacking problems.
For the same or less transfer fee, absolute no-brainer to choose Auoar over Neves.
Then again, if you prefer slow, static, negative football then Neves slots right in to those negative tactics.
With White’s traits and abilities, makes Neves almost redundant in midfield; we need more from the new midfielder.
I agree with you 100%, we need him more than Neves who is slow and always passes sideways.
arsenal had a golden chance to sign hussem but just they are passing it to any other clubs foolishly. excellent player with less money, what stone mind, arsenal herarchy, even difficult to understand what they are doing. plse ship out the ships!
I’m really surprised no one is fighting for Lacazette
Guys, why has Auoar’s stock fallen so much?
he wasnt very good last season apparently. Also, Lyon need money and arent going to bargain as much for players this summer.
There are also concerns about his mentality and “baggage”, a bit like Rabiot.
If Harry Kane goes to Man city, Arsenal should go all out for Sterling. We are not in the champions league, but i think Arteta can persuade Sterling to come over. pay him what he is earning currently at Manchester.
Just 2 signings are needed.
Aouar
Raheem Sterling.
as for the DM we all want. We already have him in Torrera.
Aouar signing is a must. It makes sense
I dont know why we haven’t signed him yet. Get him and Bissuoma and a good rb then we are good to go…
The goalkeeper drama is the fault of Arteta and Edu…why let Martinez go and pay more for a player he is better than, it makes no sense
Auoar is worth a punt given his current transfer fee. The problem for Arsenal, may not be competition from Spurs but Liverpool are now in the mix. This is a transfer Arsenal had in the bag, if they had moved quick enough.
Personally I would heve preferred Renato Sanchez or Matheus Pereira, however it looks like Pereira is gone to Saudi Arabia.