Real Madrid ‘launch last-minute bid to hijack a deal for Arsenal target Houssem Aouar’ as Zinedine Zidane makes ‘personal contact with Lyon star’
- Arsenal are in talks with Lyon to sign midfield star Houssem Aouar this window
- But the Gunners have so far been unable to agree a fee with the Ligue 1 side
- That has reportedly let Real Madrid into the frame who could hijack the deal
- Real boss Zinedine Zidane has reportedly been in contact with Aouar’s camp
Real Madrid have launched a last-minute attempt to hijack a deal for Arsenal target Houssem Aouar, according to reports in France.
Sportsmail understands the Gunners are in talks with Lyon to sign the French midfielder, but the north London club have yet to agree a fee with the Ligue 1 side for the 22-year-old.
And according to French outlet L’Equipe, that failure to so far find an agreement has allowed LaLiga champions Real Madrid to enter the race and take the France Under 21 international from under Arsenal’s noses.
Real Madrid have reportedly launched a bid to hijack a deal for Arsenal target Houssem Aouar
L’Equipe claim Real boss Zinedine Zidane has initiated contact with the 22-year-old’s camp
The report claims Real boss Zinedine Zidane has initiated contact with Lyon for his compatriot himself, who in turn is reportedly keen on the idea of turning out for the Spanish capital side.
The same outlet adds talks between Zidane and Aouar’s camp have taken place over a possible move for next summer, with Los Blancos currently unable afford a deal due to COVID-19-enforced restrictions.
They also have a plethora of midfielders in their existing squad, including the likes of Luka Modric, Federico Valverde, Isco and Toni Kroos, meaning a move in 2021 is considered a better option for the Spanish outfit.
The report adds a loan move with an obligation to buy had been mooted before Monday’s deadline, but it appears that will not come to fruition after the deadline set by Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas for clubs to sign Aouar passed on Friday.
Sportsmail understands Arsenal have been in talks with Lyon for him but have not agreed a fee
That has allowed Real to attempt a hijack deal, with Aouar said to be keen on a move to Spain
‘We will tell the players that whatever will not be settled in terms of departures before Friday, there will be no more departures,’ Aulas told Telefoot at the start of this week.
‘So for us the [closing] date of the transfer window will be Friday. I think I will propose it tomorrow (Tuesday) to Rudi Garcia and Juninho, because it’s understandable.
‘And all people of goodwill can see that there is something wrong [with the results of the team]. It can be because of that, but it can also be a lot of other things. In any case, from Friday, the players who have not left will not leave.’
As well as Aouar, Arsenal also retain an interest in fellow midfielder Thomas Partey at Atletico Madrid, with Gunners boss Mikel Arteta keen to bring in new signings, especially with Lucas Torreira on the verge of joining Diego Simeone’s side.
Both clubs though appear to have missed the deadline set by president Jean-Michel Aulas
