Blues join hunt for Lyon star branded as one of most gifted prospects in European game
CITY have been joined by Premier League rivals Liverpool and Arsenal in the race to sign Lyon star Houssem Aouar, according to reports.
Aouar has emerged as one of Europe’s most talented prospects with his consistently great performances in France and has been repeatedly linked with a move to City.
The 21-year-old has proven himself to be a versatile midfielder, comfortable on the flanks or in the middle of the park, which could prove valuable to the Blues with captain David Silva set to depart when his contract expires and the future of Leroy Sane remaining uncertain.
City have seen first hand what
Aouar is capable of as he played a starring role when they lost to Lyon in the Champions League last season and Pep Guardiola was full of praise for the Frenchman.
“Houssem is a very good player. He is incredible,” he said. “He is excellent.
“He is always very calm with the ball at his feet, with an excellent technical quality.”
According to reports, City are facing competition for Aouar, with Liverpool and Arsenal, as well as Real Madrid and Juventus, all interested in the £65m-rated man.
It’s claimed that Aouar appeals because of his age and flexibility but that signing him may depend on whether City’s ban from the Champions League is upheld or not.
Meanwhile, reports in Spain suggest City will rival Barcelona to sign AC Milan full-back Theo
Hernandez. City opted against spending big money on a new leftback in the summer after the emergence of Aleks Zinchenko and the willingness to give Benjamin Mendy another chance, instead re-signing Angelino from PSV in a cut-price deal.
Yet the Spaniard has already left the club again and City have continued to struggle at left-back this season due to form and injury issues, and are now being touted to finally spend big on a new one as a result.
Marca, via Sportsmole, suggest City could be interested in Hernandez but will face competition from Barcelona.
The defender has scored five league goals, making him Milan’s second-highest scorer this season, since joining from Real Madrid in the summer.