Real Betis are cautious over a move for Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar, because of how close he came to joining Nottingham Forest in the summer.
That’s according to ABC Sevilla, who cover the Spanish side’s continued interest in the Frenchman today.
They explain that despite things going well on the pitch, the club are already looking ahead to 2023/24 and the ‘main target’ for them is Aouar.
A move for him this summer proved impossible due to financial limitations at the club, but they’ve now resolved those to an extent they’re optimistic of opening talks in January about a free transfer next summer. Aouar is out of contract at Lyon next year.
They also made a move for Aouar during the summer and seemed close to signing him at one point, something which is concerning for Betis.
The suggestion seems to be that they fear Nottingham Forest could provide competition for the player again, and their willingness to spend money potentially price them out of the market for him.
That remains to be seen, but it appears the one transfer Forest didn’t get over the line this summer is causing some consternation at Betis in their attempts to get Aouar.
For the time being they are taking things calmly and continuing talks with Aouar and his agents in the hope they can convince the player that Betis are the best choice in front of him.
