Houssem Aouar: The Man to Succeed Mesut Özil at Arsenal

Houssem Aouar has become increasingly targeted by Arsenal.

It’s not difficult to see why at all. At only 22 years old, he is polished beyond his years, with vision and attacking ability that could accentuate any and all teammates. Why wouldn’t Arsenal want him? They formerly had a player of that same prodigious skill and creativity; and while Mesut Ozil has effectively been banished, tomorrow’s Ozil could be here today.

But reports have suggested that Arsenal remain bearish on the price, while bullish on the target. While this isn’t uncommon for any team, let alone Arsenal, this postering shouldn’t get in the way of the facts. One fact is that the Gunners need a maestro in the midfield, whether in a 3-4-3, a 3-3-1-3 or some other shape or combination; what will he bring to the ambitious team that ultimately ponies up the cash for him?

Houssem Aouar: The Complete Package, Without the Mercurial Bits

Ozil is one of my favorite players of all time. I’ve written many optimistic pieces on him as many of you will remember; yet this isn’t his Arsenal anymore and he doesn’t seem willing or capable of either understanding that or believing it.

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Having not featured in months, it is doubtful his career at the club can be saved if even he could do so, although using his talent could be useful during domestic cup games. But remaining relevant, Houssem Aouar offers many of the German’s best qualities without the less promising ones we’ve come to expect from him as the years have gone on.

Aouar’s vision is exquisite, his creativity and ambition all cry out for a larger team to put him into a system with world class danger men. Meanwhile, his defensive skills are not lacking and would not cause the Gunners much worry despite the talent; he is not necessarily mercurial like Ozil is still today.

Arsenal have the manager, the danger men and the fanbase to support such a healthy ambition, before turning it into even healthier volition. But do Arsenal have the funding?

While they do have the funding, it is a matter of whether than can get the Kroenke’s to cough it up for a boss who’s won them two trophies in the hardest spell in the club’s recent history. Should Arteta receive the ultimate blessing, what his new number ten can do for the Gunners may very well turn a whole new generation into rabid Gooners in the process.

Willian & Aouar: Arsenal Become Too Slick

Willian didn’t have a particularly stunning game against the Hammers of West Ham as he did against Fulham just days prior, but we can expect more of the former and less of the latter. His vision on the right wing is truly breathtaking and opening up Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang on opening day was a wonderful sight to behold.

While Thomas Partey may or may not be coming to the Emirates, the addition of Houssem Aouar could really do wonders in linking the sections of the park together more effectively; getting Dani Ceballos for another campaign is a fantastic innovation as well. Whether Aouar plays as a true number ten or in some more even handed capacity in a more recessed position, his impact will likely be similar.

He will push pace and he will find his playmakers. He will look to create and link quick, beautiful football for his finishers and could see some finishing himself. Between he and Willian, the passing is one thing that we can expect to have vastly improved from the start of the Arteta era to now. While coaching works on it constantly, the aforementioned players breathe his philosophy naturally; they are truly great fits for Arteta to be sure and frank.

Houssem Aouar: Can Arsenal Foot the Bill? It’d be Worth it

If the distance in cash is so little, do not be shocked to hear Arsenal have eventually pulled the trigger once they’ve widdled the cost to their comfortable parameters. Arsenal are in the midst of selling players from Lucas Torreria to Shkodran Mustafi, and so one can suspect that they plot something actively.

These players, alongside the recently departed Emiliano Martínez, will constitute the funding for much of the rumored transfer fee and the wages.

It would be wise to find the money for Aouar. Progress can be made in truly making this team a contender for the title, not merely a top four or six position. In any of the aforementioned circumstances, the money and potential from these scenarios then creates more room for both success and even greater potential still.

As the old saying goes, if one can be allowed to paraphrase slightly that, one must spend money, to make money; surely the money that’s been spent on extending Aubameyang, paying Willian and the Nicolas Pepe transfer deals hasn’t been paltry.

But should they splurge on Aouar, the player they’re getting will be valued much more once the Gunners are in the Champions League than during his time at Lyon. That is money well spent.