Arsenal in Houssem Aouar Transfer Tussle

Man City & Juventus Rival Arsenal for Aouar

There is no such thing as smooth sailing for Arsenal in the transfer market. Aouar’s preference may be to move abroad, but both Juventus and Manchester City continue to monitor the case. Closely, too.

Andrea Pirlo‘s side had a full agreement last summer to bring Aouar to Turin, one that only fell through when Federico Bernardeschi refused to move the other way on a loan deal.

I Bianconeri and Real Madrid were the closest competitors for Arsenal throughout the summer, although the latter opted to postpone their movement until after the season following a relaxed transfer approach.

Man City have remained prevalent throughout, with Aouar having admitted to Manchester Evening News that admiration from Pep Guardiola is ‘flattering’.

If anything, the sides hovering around the situation, and those in direct contact already, pose even bigger threats to Arsenal than RB Leipzig and AC Milan.

Arsenal will move again but their efforts could well be futile. In these situations it’s best to keep expectations in check, as the case for north London being a more enticing option than three title-chasing Champions League regulars grows weaker by the day.

Aouar is the dream addition for this midfield three, but he isn’t the only one. Him and another are needed, but January is about being realistic, even in less unprecedented times. It’s going to require some masterful negotiations and irresistible sweet-talking.