Arsenal Handed Boost in Houssem Aouar Pursuit

Houssem Aouar: the one that got away.

A long-standing interest in Lyon’s Houssem Aouar was the light at the end of the tunnel for Arsenal fans who, justifiably, felt he was the missing piece in Mikel Arteta’s jigsaw.

It was never certain, but nonetheless there was a willingness from the club and the player which had the deal looking closer to being finalised as the weeks turned to days and then to just hours remaining of the summer transfer window.

Bids from the Gunners ultimately fell short of Lyon’s asking price, and the mood around the Emirates sank considerably. Thomas Partey came in to soften the blow – maybe even reversing it entirely – but there is still an admission that a creative midfielder is sorely lacking in north London.

Given the move fell through, a revised look in the following summer has been mooted. However, according to Lyon Director of Football, Vincent Ponsont, speaking to L’Equipe, the French side’s precarious financial predicament could even fast-track that to January.

"“The economic situation is catastrophic for the football world. We are significantly impacted.“On the market, there were two phases: reducing the number of players, which we did very well, and a second part concerning the players who could potentially leave. Finally, we could have transferred some of them, with a discount on the price. But even with the Covid impact, we decided to postpone.”"

Lyon eventually pulled to plug on Aouar’s move to the Premier League with a below par offer, but the openness of Le Gones’ financial worries can be interoperated as an open invitation.

Aouar is their most marketable asset, with his sale going some way towards absolving the club of some of the hardships they’ve faced as a result of the pandemic. In an ideal world they’d keep hold of their best players and build on a Champions League semi-final, but the circumstances work against them.

Arteta adores Aouar: these were the sentiments we were constantly reminded of throughout the pursuit, but financially there was no means of acquiring both him and Partey. We’ve heard murmurings of an difference of opinion between Arteta and Edu on the matter.

Whatever admiration Arteta may have for the 22-year-old won’t have dissipated. It’s been mentioned repeatedly – as well as being visibly clear to onlookers – that this Arsenal side are a process that will require multiple windows to reach maximum efficency.

Of course, finance is everything in this sport and with more money whittling away as a result of no fans attending matches, Arsenal are unlikely to suddenly stump up the funds required in just a few short months. Would on-field progress tempt the owners’ hands? It could, but there is also FFP to consider.

The case of Aouar does, however, remain firmly ajar.