Arsenal in Houssem Aouar Contact Over January Move

Arsenal have been in contact with Houssem Aouar’s agent.

The case of Dominik Szoboszlai continues to escalate for clubs around Europe, with Arsenal battling it out with AC Milan, RB Leipzig, Tottenham and Atletico Madrid. Those are just a few who’ve been mentioned.

However, the story could have been so different heading into this current season. A long and protracted saga that dragged out for months ultimately came to a crushing conclusion, with Houssem Aouar staying put at Lyon after Arsenal’s bid fell short of the desired fee.

Simply, pay the money, and he’s yours. Arsenal couldn’t muster the cash.

With the player expressing his desire to remain with Les Gones and see out the season, the page was turned on that deal for another 12 months.

As is customary with the transfer window – it isn’t even open yet – the narrative has shifted and we’re been drip-fed differing stories from across the board. While it looked like Arsenal would have to shelve plans for the Frenchman and temporarily avert their gaze elsewhere, reigniting their interest in January may be on the cards.

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano spoke on the The Arsenal Lounge about the Gunners’ ambitions for the winter window, which while remain heavily focussed on Szoboszlai, aren’t solely resting on the Hungarian. After all, contingency plans are needed.

Aouar, however, doesn’t fall into that bracket.

Two points off top spot in Ligue 1, Aouar has started eight of Lyon’s 13 matches so far this season, his absences mostly due to injury or suspension, clocking up two goals and two assists. As it seems, Arsenal aren’t willing to wait.

What’s Been Said

Arsenal have been tipped to move in for the 22-year-old midfielder when the window reopens.

Above that, contact has already been made with the player’s agent, although Romano does state that he expects a move for Aouar to be cranked up should an approach for Szoboszlai fall short.

"“I think they will try again for sure. Now we have to happen what will happen with Szoboszlai, they are waiting on his final decision. “But immediately after Szoboszlai signs with another club, they could move again for Aouar. They have already spoke with his agent. “It is not easy to sign Aouar in January, but he is at the top of the list for Arsenal. He’s a favourite for Arteta, it’s the same for the board. So, yes, in my opinion they will try again.”"

https://twitter.com/OL/status/1336000017480421382

It’s normal for clubs to speak to players’ agents in the middle of seasons, so shouldn’t be looked to deeply into. Instead, the reports that have emerged out of France in December add fuel to the fire.

L’Equipe reported at the beginning of the month that Lyon have planned for Aouar’s departure prior to the summer window opening. There have also been claims of friction between the Frenchman and his employers, having reacted angrily to being an unused substitute in a win over Angers. He was left out of the subsequent matchday squad.

This term, he’s only completed 90 minutes on two occasions.

While at this stage everything is mere speculation,  as with the recent Mesut Ozil rumours, there is more basis to them given the circumstances. Not all appears rosy at Les Gones and major outlets are suggesting plans have altered this season.

However, the fee needed to lure him away may remain unaltered, which is of concern.

Do Arsenal Stand a Chance?

The issue of finance remains exactly the same, although interest from other clubs may have dissipated, opening the door for Arsenal to pounce.

Juventus failed in the summer to bring Aouar to Turin, this despite lodging a €55m bid that was accepted by the French side. In return, Federico Bernardeschi was going to move over temporarily on an expensive loan.

Everything was agreed, only for Italian to refuse the departure.

I Bianconeri were the main competition alongside Arsenal, with Real Madrid following closely behind. The situation at Manchester United with Paul Pogba will have perked the ears of Zinedine Zidane, and could avert their gaze towards Old Trafford as opposed to the Parc Olympique Lyonnais.

Financially, Madrid aren’t blessed and Aouar poses a more lucrative deal and age bracket, but the mutual love between Zidane and Pogba won’t have vanished overnight. It could play in Arsenal’s favour.

All that said, it doesn’t alter the issue of money, which has Arsenal scrambling. Arteta has stated already that he and the club have limitations coming into the January window, beyond the usual difficulties that come with signing players mid-season.

Much will depend on who can be shifted out that month, and while speculation would indicate a few departures are plausible, you’d be hard pressed to envisage a January window where Shkodran Mustafi, Sokratis and Ozil all leave to ease the wage bill.

After those, coupled with the owners injection and a potential permanent departure or two, then maybe we can talk.