ARSENAL face a battle to bring in long-standing target Houssem Aouar with Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus reportedly joining the race.
The Gunners were heavily linked with the Lyon ace all summer before the player decided to stay put – for now.
Lyon’s Houssem Aouar is still on Arszenal’s radar – as well as Juventus’Credit: AFP or licensors
According to Tuttosport, Arsenal are still interested in the star, but Juve have emerged as potential frontrunners to sign the creative midfielder.
Aouar could well see out the season with Lyon before making a move, with Juventus seeing him as ‘perfect as Aaron Ramsey’s potential back-up or even successor’.
And the Italian giants might just have a trick up their sleeve.
It is reported that there is a ‘friendship’ friendship between the two presidents, Jean-Michel Aulas and Andrea Agnelli, that could smooth over negotiations.
Aouar came through the youth ranks at Lyon and the club were demanding £45million for his signature.
It was also suggested the player didn’t want to leave so late in the transfer window in fear that he would struggle to hit the ground running and put his Euro 2021 hopes in doubt.
Arteta was hopeful of raising funds to land his signature but struggled to find permanent buyers for Matteo Guendouzi and Lucas Torreira with the latter leaving for Atletico Madrid on loan.
PSG are also sniffing around in the hope of convincing Aouar to remain in France.
Meanwhile Mesut Ozil is still in exile, but the Gunners did manage to bring in £45m man Thomas Partey from Atletico.
But Aouar would bring a different dynamic in the middle of the park and could be the long-term replacement for Ozil, whose career looks to be well and truly over at the Emirates.
And it has been revealed that Arsenal WERE interesting in bringing in Jorginho from big rivals Chelsea.
The 28-year-old told ESPN Brazil: “I believe that every player is open to negotiations.
“So I believe there was something they talked about.
told ESPN Brazil: “I believe that every player is open to negotiations.
“So I believe there was something they talked about.
Houssem Aouar shows off his ball control in Lyon football training
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
