HOU THE MAN FOR ARTETA
Gunners boss wants Lyon playmaker
ARSENAL are desperate to rekindle their move for Lyon ace Houssem Aouar.
The Gunners came close to signing the French attacking midfielder in the summer but failed at the final hurdle.
A fee couldn’t be agreed and that looks like a false economy with Arsenal struggling to create chances this season.
A bid of £ 45m was rejected by Lyon who are looking for closer to £ 60m.
That figure is still scary for the Gunners but Arteta is pleading for the money to be spent in January.
Arsenal have competition though with Juventus keen on making a move for the 22- year- old.
Aouar says he’s concentrating on maintaining the good form that has seen him force his way into the French squad.
He added: “I am happy, this is my city and this my club.
“I am proud to represent this club, I have so much motivation to make a great season.
“We made a choice, I’m happy to stay here. Aulas and Juninho convinced me to stay in Lyon.”
Gunners legend Ian Wright is in no doubt that a player like Aouar is needed at the Emirates.
He is urging the club to invest and add to Thomas Partey who has settled in well since his move from Spain.
Wright said: “They still need more and that’s why Arsenal
went
Aouar.
“I’m hoping they can still get him at some stage but Partey is a massive improvement on what Arsenal have got.”
Lyon general manager Vincent Ponsot admitted the player is up for sale — but only if the price is right.
And he says it wasn’t during the last window.
Ponsot said: “Three teams were interested in a deal.
“The third club was Arsenal, who offered below the market value.
“We discussed it with the player’s entourage, and together we took the decision to say “no”.”
Arsenal fans will point to the fact that Mesut Ozil is sat twiddling his thumbs and could offer something similar for Houssem to the Frenchman if he can be brought back into the fold by Arteta.
It looks more likely that the mercurial German will be heading out of the door.
Gunners legend George Graham admits it’s hard to see a way back for Ozil.
He said: “He’s got to be in a team that’s dominating games and he’s got to be on the ball as much as possible.
“Without the ball, just no. He is definitely lacking, not even at the top level.
“Without the ball he’s not good enough.
“You play when you’ve got the ball but you also play when you haven’t got possession.
“He obviously isn’t playing into the new manager’s style. He’s just not up to the standard that Arteta wants.”