Arsenal prepare Houssem Aouar transfer on bargain deal

Do Arsenal Need Houssem Aouar?

Who would turn their nose up at someone who’s at a great age, is European proven, has been scouted long enough by the club to know his ability and is available for an absolute bargain at £20m?

There is a degree of tempering that needs doing with this talk since it’s been previously mentioned that Aouar would cost around £25-£30m – it was more in January – but at the same time, given how hell-bent Arteta was on securing the Frenchman last season it would come across as very odd if there wasn’t at least some minor discussions about his availability 12 months down the line.

At present Arsenal look like bidding farewell to three central midfielders: Matteo Guendouzi, Lucas Torreira and Granit Xhaka are all certain departees, and could be followed by further outgoings.

That leaves space in that area but Aouar is not someone to suit one half of a double pivot. He also hasn’t shown signs or been given chance to play as a No. 10 in a 4-2-3-1. So where does he fit in?

An offensive No. 8 with dashes of a wide creator and central operator thrown in, he’s someone best suited to a three man midfield, whether as a 4-3-3 or a 3-5-2 variation. Arteta has wanted to make the shift to a three man midfield and Aouar on an absolute bargain deal would strengthen his case to do so.

However, such opportunities don’t present themselves all too often. Ligue 1, just like Lyon, are in disarray and Les Gones’ failure to qualify for the Champions League has dented their finances even further.

Sometimes you can’t pass up players of his quality on such prices. They do, of course, have to fit into the system the club wants to utilise but Aouar is a versatile midfielder who could be moulded one way or another depending on what the manager desires.

If it’s £20m though, surely that’s too good to turn down?