4 Things To Know About Houssem Aouar: The Midfielder Targeted By Both City And Arsenal

David Tully

4 years ago

Categories: Galleries, Manchester City News, Transfer News

Tags: Arsenal, Houssem Aouar, lyon, Manchester City

While City’s main focus at the moment appears to be on signing Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi, as well as Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly, there have been claims in recent days that the club retain an interest in Lyon’s Houssem Aouar.

Manager Pep Guardiola is known to be a keen admirer of the Frenchman and it is believed the Citizens made an approach to Lyon for the player just days after being knocked out by his club in the Champions League last month.

They are not believed to be alone in pursuing Aouar, though, with Arsenal also having had talks over signing the 22-year-old, but it is hard to imagine where the Gunners would find the funds to finance a move for the midfielder who is valued at €50m (£45m).

So what do we know about the France Under 21 international? Press the next page as we go through some interesting facts about the player:

Aouar has been at Lyon for eleven years

The Frenchman was signed by his current club from AC Villeurbanne in 2009 at the age of just 11. He developed his game in Lyon’s famed youth academy before making his debut for the first team in February 2017 during a Europa League knockout tie against AZ Alkmaar.

Aouar went on to score his first goal at senior level in the second leg of the same tie as Lyon came out 7-1 winners.

He has a great deal of experience despite his young age

After making his first tentative steps in senior football, Aouar was fully integrated as a regular first-team player from the start of the 2017/18 season, following Corentin Tolisso’s move to Bayern Munich that summer.

The midfielder hasn’t really looked back since then, having made 137 appearances for Lyon despite only being 22 years of age. Over the past few years, he has racked up experience in Europe as well, playing in the Champions League semi-final last month.

Aouar has superb composure on the ball

In Ligue One last campaign, the Frenchman’s passing accuracy was 86% despite playing in an advanced role on the left-hand side of a midfield three. His nine goals and ten assists in all competitions also demonstrates his growing maturity.

Aouar isn’t only good on a ball, he is effective as well, making the right decisions when in possession, as well as creating and scoring goals for his team.

He is keen on a move to the Premier League

Reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano has stated in the past few days on his Twitter account that Aouar is interested in a move to the Premier League.

There had been reports that Juventus were the favourites to sign the France Under 21 international, but it appears City are very much still in the running if they make a move for the player.