ARSENAL target Houssem Aouar has been axed from the Lyon squad after refusing to train, according to reports in France.
L’Equipe claim the 22-year-old’s relationship with his club’s hierarchy is now under strain following a clash at the weekend.
Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar is set to be dropped for their clash against Reims this weekendCredit: AFP or licensors
The report adds that Aouar was left unhappy at being an unused substitute in Lyon’s 1-0 win over Angers on Sunday.
As a result, the France international is said to have refused to take part in the post-game protocol of warming down with his team-mates.
Aouar allegedly cited the poor condition of the pitch as why he opted against leaving the dressing room – which he retreated to before the final whistle – to take part in the half-hour drill.
Yet Lyon staff were said to be ‘annoyed’ by the attacker’s decision especially considering the squad had been given a day off on Monday.
The Ligue 1 outfit’s sporting director Juninho and director of football Vincent Ponsot are now set to drop Aouar for the game against Reims this weekend as punishment for his actions.
Aouar was close to joining Arsenal in the summer transfer window before the Gunners turned their attention to Thomas Partey.
The midfielder claimed last month that he wasn’t disappointed by Lyon’s refusal to sell him and insisted he was happy to stay at his boyhood club.
But SunSport previously reported that Mikel Arteta is expected to launch another bid to sign Aouar after falling short this year.
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The Spaniard wanted to sign French ace Aouar and Chelsea vice-captain Jorginho before the transfer deadline as well as Thomas Partey.
Blues star Jorginho revealed last month his representatives held talks with Arsenal.
However, the midfielder’s agent Joao Santos has now hinted at another reunion with former Blues boss Maurizio Sarri if he gets a new job.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
