MANCHESTER CITY, PSG and Juventus are all reportedly battling to sign £65m Lyon ace Houssem Aouar this summer.
The 21-year-old midfielder is a wanted man across Europe after emerging as a vital cog in the Lyon side who reached the last-16 of the Champions League this campaign.
Houssem Aouar has been linked with Man City, PSG and JuventusCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Pep Guardiola has been a long admirer of Aouar since his side drew 2-2 with Lyon in a Champions League group game in November 2018.
The City boss waited in the tunnel to personally congratulate the starlet for dictating the midfield with 62 passes and five tackles that night.
He sang the youngster’s praises and told the press that night: “Houssem Aouar is a very good player, he is incredible.
“We talk a lot about Ndombele but Aouar is also excellent. He’s always very calm with the ball at his feet, with an excellent technical quality.”
Guardiola has been eyeing a long-term replacement for Fernandinho but faces stiff competition for Aouar from Juventus and PSG.
Lyon president, Jean-Michel Aulas is open to selling the 21-year-old but will insist on a price tag as high as £65m.
Pep Guardiola has been a long standing admirer of Houssem AouarCredit: Reuters
Maurizio Sari’s side had a taste of Aouar’s potential during Juventus’ recent Champions League tie with Lyon.
The 21-year-old played a key part in the only goal scored by Lucas Tousart in a 1-0 win for the French outfit in the last-16 first leg clash.
The return fixture at the Allianz Stadium is yet to be played due to the coronavirus chaos causing much of Europe’s football to be put on standby.
Across all competitions the Frenchman has been in fine form, scoring nine goals and providing seven assists across 37 matches.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
