Houssem Aouar admits Arsenal move was close before opting for Lyon stay

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Lyon midfielder Houseem Aouar has admitted that a move to Arsenal was on the cards this summer before he opted to stay with the French outfit ahead of the Gunners.

The 22-year-old was tracked by the Gunners all summer, with Mikel Arteta a big fan of the midfielder following a fine few seasons in Lyon.

Ultimately, a deal for Aouar failed to materialise, with Arsenal instead signing Thomas Partey on deadline day in a big-money move from Atletico Madrid.

And Aouar, who has a few years left on his deal in Lyon, has admitted that a move could have happened. (Quotes via Goal)

“I’m happy to stay at Lyon,” the 22-year-old told TF1.

“It’s my city, it’s my club. It gives me immense pride to represent Lyon. It wasn’t really Arsenal or nothing else, although at the end it was close to that. Really, a choice had to be made and I’m happy to stay here.”

Arsenal are expected to continue their pursuit of Aouar into next summer if they can. However, the Gunners face competition from Real Madrid, who are also admirers of the Frenchman, according to 90Min.

Partey will do for now but Aouar would still be class – TBR View

You don’t just down tools because you have missed out on a player in one window, so you can fully expect Arsenal to be in the hunt for Aoaur again in the next few transfer windows.

The signing of Thomas Partey is a fine one, and he’ll do well in north London. But Gunners fans were dreaming of a Partey and Aoaur pairing and there’s no reason that can’t eventually be a reality.

Aouar is bordering on world-class already. Another season under his belt could improve him even further.