Ian Wright suggests Houssem Aouar would be good signing for Arsenal
Ian Wright has suggested that Houssem Aouar would be a good signing for Arsenal, as quoted in The Daily Mail.
The Arsenal legend believes that Aouar would create chances for the Arsenal forwards and could play with Thomas Partey in midfield.
The Gunners signed Partey from La Liga outfit Atletico Madrid in the summer of 2020.
France Football reported in October that the North London club wanted to sign Aouar from Lyon in the summer transfer window.
The report in the French publication claimed that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was looking to play the 22-year-old in the role that Kevin De Bruyne plays for Manchester City.
The Daily Mail quotes Wright as saying: “I think the mentality has changed, the culture in what he’s (Mikel Arteta) doing has changed, the intensity and the way he wants to play. It’s all changed, it’s a new Arsenal in what they’re trying to do going forward.
“If he can continue to improve, like players improve with his coaching, and then he’s then able to add to that with Aouar, who they’re trying to get in the midfield alongside Partey, then you’ve got someone who can create for the forwards.”
Rising star
Aouar is one of the best and most promising young players in Europe and is a key figure at Lyon.
The 22-year-old plays mainly as an attack-minded midfielder, but the Frenchman is also able to play deeper in a central midfield role.
According to WhoScored, the youngster has made six starts and one substitute appearance for Lyon so far this season, scoring two goals and providing one assist in the process.
During the 2019-20 campaign, the France international made 23 starts and two substitute appearances in the league, scoring three goals and providing four assists in the process, according to WhoScored.
Aouar also scored one goal and gave four assists in eight Champions League matches for the French club last season, according to WhoScored.
January transfer possible?
Lyon are chasing a Champions League place in the Ligue 1 table this season, and it is unlikely that they will be receptive to any offers for Aouar in the January transfer window.
Of course, money talks, but Arsenal are unlikely to spend a lot in the middle of the season, especially as they paid £45.3 million for Partey in the summer, as reported by BBC Sport.
