Arsenal have been boosted in their search for a new attacking midfielder with the news that Lyon star Houssem Aouar is holding out for a move to The Emirates
That is according to The Sun. Their report says that Aouar would cost Arsenal around £25million, significantly less than any move for James Maddison would be.
Maddison would likely cost Arsenal in excess of £60million, and Aouar’s representatives are said to be confused by the Gunners pursuit of Maddison, seemingly in favour of Aouar.
Arsenal made a serious move for Aouar last year, but after a deal fell through, it seemed Arsenal move on to other targets. That started with the loan move for Martin Odegaard.
Odegaard is very unlikely to return to the club and so Arsenal have been exploring other options. Aouar and Maddison have been those most heavily linked.
Maddison will cost nearly treble that of Aouar, but comes with more assurance that he will be able to hit the ground running and perform in the Premier League.
We’ve seen many players come from France and succeed in the English game, but equally there is a long list of those that have struggled. Aouar netted 7 goals and created 3 for his teammates in Ligue 1 last season, but was inconsistent throughout the campaign.
Aouar would certainly be more of a gamble than Maddison, but equally the amount Arsenal would have to outlay would be much less.
The Gunners look certain to add another midfielder this month, time will tell who proves to be the main target for the club.