A proposed move to Arsenal for Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar is the ‘less attractive’ one on the table at present as they have not ‘put up the money expected’.
That’s according to L’Equipe, who cover the player’s future today amid a sudden interest from Real Madrid.
Arsenal have been interested in the French midfielder all summer and appeared to be racing towards securing a deal before the end of the window.
The main sticking point was Lyon’s asking price, with the Ligue 1 side determined to make as much as possible from their prize asset.
With no other major clubs making a move, though, they looked to be favourites, and there were positive signs from several sources that suggested the Gunners would get their man.
L’Equipe now state Real Madrid have appeared on the scene and there are several ways to get a transfer done. The newspaper explains that Zinedine Zidane has been in contact with the midfielder and spoke to him recently about a move.
Zidane knows that Aouar is a ‘real opportunity for the future’ and so it would be a shame to let him slip away if it can be avoided.
The operation, therefore, could take the form of a loan with an automatic purchase option, which would be suitable for Lyon if the price is right.
Lyon president Michel Aulas had initially hoped to make €60m, but the current market and the pandemic have ‘thwarted’ this plan.
So a deal involving players going the other way could happen, particularly as Aulas has a good relationship with the Spanish giants.
This is where Arsenal come into it. They are also keen, but their offer is seen as ‘less attractive’ because they have ‘not put up the money’ Lyon expected to get the deal closed.
There’s no mention of what their offer is but the sentiment is clear; they are not at the front of the queue anymore.
Likewise, they are not the player’s preference either. On the contrary, L’Equipe say that it seems Aouar ‘can’t imagine himself’ at anywhere but the Bernabeu, with the move described as ‘a dream come true’.
However, it must be noted this isn’t being reported by the media closest to the Spanish club. It’s bee made clear repeatedly there’ll be no big signings this summer, with even free agent moves ruled out in recent days.
This could be an effort from Lyon to put pressure on Arsenal.
