Liverpool are eyeing a move to sign Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar this summer, a player strongly linked with a move to Arsenal.
The French international was a long-running theme during the summer, with Jean Micheal-Aulas naming the Gunners as a keen party in pursuit of his signature, before Aouar and the club decided to extend their time together shortly before the transfer window closed.
Another summer of speculation is expected come the end of the season however, but Arsenal may not be the main team involved when push comes to shove.
Goal claims that the Reds to be eyeing one of Yves Bissouma,
Florian Neuhaus or Aouar as their main targets, with Gigi Wijnaldum linked with an exit with his contract set to end at the end of the term.
The Dutch midfielder has been linked with Barcelona in recent windows, although their recent financial situation hasn’t allowed them much movement in the transfer windows, but he and fellow international Memphis Depay could well make the same switch on free transfers this summer.
The emergence of Emile Smith Rowe, and the impressive loan of Martin Odegaard could well be reason to overlook Aouar come the summer however, although it remains to be seen if the Norwegian will be allowed to stay beyond his current loan deal.
Would Aouar be an upgrade on Odegaard?
Patrick
Personally, I prefer Aouar to Odegaard. I’ve seen some of Aouar’s games and the way he manipulates space and his dribbling ability are just wonderful.
Last summer he didn’t really seem to be enthusiastic about joining and wanted other moves instead apparently. If that’s the case I’d avoid him.
RSH, I’m with you in wanting Arsenal to target players, who want to be at the Emirates.
I would rather compete for Yves Bissouma from Brighton, as a player who would suit Arsenal playing along side Thomas Partey. As far a ACM’s go Arsenal has ESR, who hopefully be stronger as he physically ages and this season under his belt. As for Odegaard he chose Arsenal over a number of clubs offering loan spells. Should he thrive, it will be interesting to see if Arteta can encourage him to request to stay. Real Madrid, as all clubs are affected by lost income during the pandemic. They will have to sell players, to get those they want.
Aouar coming from the French league is an expensive risk (given his potential price tag), as to how he will adapt culturally and to the physical demands of the EPL, week in week out.
There may be a lot of good midfielders available at the end of the season, given the perilous financial situation at many clubs home and abroad.
Maybe change the name to “longlist”. Agree currently Aouar is better for me too, but I think Odegaard has more potential to improve. Plus as mentioned I think as an individual would be keener to come here, and as a known quantity we can be confident he’s going to gel. Less likely to cause future issues – he just wants to enjoy his football.