Tottenham Hotspur are now seeking to sign Lyon’s playmaker Houssem Aouar after repeated ties with Arsenal, according to reports.
Aouar was an important target for Arsenal last summer as they looked to renew their midfield. In the end, he stayed at Lyon, while Thomas Partey was the player who made it to Emirates Stadium. But 12 months later, the Gunners are still looking to Aouar as an additional reinforcement.
A recent report suggested Arsenal would visit him again as a last resort option if they failed to sign James Maddison or Martin Odegaard this month. Nevertheless, a deal for the latter now seems to be in place, with an impending announcement.
But Aouar is still available for transfer by a Lyon team going through a transition period. The talented academy product could offer the French team a decent rate. However, instead of Arsenal paying, it could be North London’s rivals Tottenham who are rushing.
So far, in Fabio Paratici’s first summer as Spurs managing director, the club has signed Pierluigi Gollini, Cristian Romero and Bryan Gil. Another defender is still a priority, but they could also look for an extra option in midfield.
According to the Daily Mirror, then, they will make a move for 23-year-old Aouar. The path is clear following Arsenal’s decision to focus elsewhere.
Aouar, a France international, scored seven goals in 30 Ligue 1 games last season. Throughout his career at Lyon, he has accumulated a total of 172 appearances and 32 goals, while adding 31 assists.
With two years remaining on his contract, Lyon could now be looking to cash in on his number eight. They feel problems growing in the locker room, which means they could fire multiple players who they feel are to blame.
In the process of selling Aouar, RMC Sport believes that they have lowered the sale price.
If he moved to Tottenham, Aouar would reunite with former Lyon midfield teammate Tanguy Ndombele.
Spurs midfielder linked to exit has few options
Tottenham could make room for Aouar by selling Moussa Sissoko, who has been told that he will not be a regular for Nuno Espirito Santo this season.
French media L’Equipe says Nuno will refrain from using the 32-year-old on a regular basis this season.
Therefore, Sissoko is looking for a new club after learning of her fate. But it has not yet received an offer from a European side.
He has offers from the Middle East, but is not willing to go there. Therefore, you are facing a stalemate with your future.
However, if he ends up finding a place to go, it could pave the way for Tottenham to sign Aouar.
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