Houssem Aouar could now not be signing with Arsenal after being linked to the club. This comes after Arsenal gets in talks to sign James Maddison. Houssem Aouar was reported to sign with the club last season but talks broke down due to agent fees.
Houssem Aouar last season play 30 games in the league while scoring 7 while assisting 3 goals. He had a goal conversion rate of 10%. Having 2.3 shots,1.3 key passes and 45 touches in the attacking half per 90. Currently, he has just 2 years left on his current contract Lyon. He is currently at £37.80m according to Transfermarkt. Houssem Aouar can play a multitude of roles be it C-A-M, R-A-M, LM, RM, CM and CDM.
It has been reported that Lyon currently has placed an asking price of £20.00m. For many, this would be a bargain as he is still 23 years old. According to FBREF, Houssem Aouar is one of the top tier creative midfielders. Comparing to the other midfielders in the top European Leagues. Houssem Aouar is in the top 95 Percentile for the following stats per 90
- Non penalty Expected Goals (0.39)
- Total shots (3.25)
- Non penalty goals (0.22)
- Expected Assists (0.20)
- Shot Creating Actions (4.65)
- Progressive Carries of the ball (8.08)
- Dribbles completed (2.81)
- Touches in zone 14(6.45)
Why Houssem Aouar Is A Must Sign Player For Arsenal?
Looking at these stats it would be confusing as to why hasn’t been a part of a top 4 club. This could be mainly due to the mismanagement by Lyon as well his agent. Last season it was reported that Lyon had accepted a £30.00m bid from Arsenal for Houssem Aouar. But the deal broke down due to the agent asking for higher fees, which Arsenal declined. Currently, many clubs in League 1 are having a financial situation due to the current television rights deal. This has inclined many clubs to still their most profitable players. Due to Lyon not making the Champions League, Houssem Aouar’s market value fell immensely in a year. This could be the aptest time for the club to go for the signature of the player.
As stated before, Houssem Aouar is still 23 and can play multiple positions in the squad. In the Arsenal team, he could play either as a Number 10 or a wide midfielder. He could also play a more defensive role in the double centre defender pivot role besides Thomas Partey as well. Though he hasn’t played in that role for the club, he could play the deep creative midfielder role with his creative prowess. With Arsenal lacking in the quality required to be in the top 6, signing Houssem Aouar would be immense.
With Partey again injured during the pre-season game against Chelsea, Arteta could be forced to change his ideal playing style and maybe shift to a 4-3-3 with two number 8s. Currently, the youth emphasised transfers this season, it feels like this deal might come to fruit towards the end of August. Arsenal has an average squad age of 25.7 which is one of the youngest in the league. This transfer could be one in hindsight one which will help the club in the future to get back to the Champions League.
