Arsenal handed major boost in Houssem Aouar pursuit

Since the summer, Arsenal have been linked with enough players to build two whole teams. Mikel Arteta wants additions, the squad needs arrivals, and guess who still exists? Houssem Aouar. Not only that, he could finally make his move to north London.

The summer window centered almost exclusively around the French midfielder, who along with Thomas Partey, was the target who would revitalise the Gunners’ midfield and instigate a serious top four push.

A nail-biting saga ebbed and flowed into the final days of the window, ultimately coming to nothing as Lyon didn’t receive the offer they were after and Arsenal pulled the plug. Partey came in during a stunning deadline day move and, in truth, that deal has failed to pay dividends. Perennially injured, Arsenal haven’t seen anything like the best of the Ghanaian. Not yet, that is.

Partey was not going to absolve Arteta of all his midfield woes, and the need for further reinforcements remains essential. So, Houssem Aouar?

Arsenal handed major boost to sign Houssem Aouar after Lyon’s financial struggles were revealed

It was widely reported that Arteta was, and is, utterly smitten by Aouar’s profile, so much so that there has even been talk he favoured the Frenchman over his £45m man. As Arsenal continue to build for the future, it’s unlikely that the 22-year-old is no longer an option, and given the state of affairs in Lyon, the club have another chance.

During a press briefing with L’Equipe, Lyon President  Jean-Michel Aulas revealed losses of almost £96m, a figure that has arose via a combination of the financial implications of the coronavirus pandemic and a shortfall from TV rights. Finishing seventh in Ligue 1 last season there has also been no European football to help balance their losses. Aulas has even asked the players to take a 25% pay cut.

Infamously stubborn, Aulas is a man few like to negotiate with. His Lyon side are fighting for the league title this season, but their financial situation evokes a keen sense of opportunity that Arsenal must pounce on. How flexible Lyon could be given their circumstances is unknown, but it’s up to Arsenal to find out.

The issue is other interested parties. With top European clubs sniffing around, and the usual PSG pull, a bidding war will likely commence. What is certain is that Lyon’s position has weakened, and Arsenal shouldn’t dawdle.