Tottenham ‘exploring the possibility of signing Houssem Aouar’ this summer… with Lyon braced for more offers as Spurs consider going head-to-head with rivals Arsenal for French midfielder’s signature
- Tottenham are reportedly considering a move for Houssem Aouar this summer
- The Lyon midfielder has been linked with Arsenal since the start of last season
- Mikel Arteta’s side had two bids rejected but are once again interested in Aouar
- But they face competition from Spurs who could launch a rival bid
Tottenham are reportedly interested in a move for Lyon’s Houssem Aouar, a player their north London rivals Arsenal have long been linked with.
Mikel Arteta’s side had bids rejected by Lyon last summer with the club insistent they wanted to keep him, but French teams are under increased financial strain ahead of the new season due to a crisis over TV deals.
According to le10sport, the Gunners submitted a fresh bid for Aouar last week, with a move likely to be more feasible with Lyon willing to accept significantly less than the £45m they demanded last summer.
Houssem Aouar may have a decision to make on what part of north London he will choose
Tottenham are believed to be considering him as one of Nuno Espirito Santos’ first signings
However, the same publication have reported that Arsenal will face competition for his signature, with Tottenham now considering a potential move due to the midfielder’s apparent availability.
New boss Nuno Espirito Santo will be tasked with getting Spurs back into the Champions League, after last season’s 7th place in the Premier League, and the signing of Aouar would undoubtedly help in that push.
The 23-year-old made 30 Ligue 1 appearances last campaign, after he had put the disruption of a potential move behind him.
He chipped in with seven goals and three assists, helping Lyon to finish fourth but only seven points behind league winners Lille.
But Mikel Arteta and Arsenal have long been interested in bringing the midfielder to England
After reports emerged recently that he had missed training to try and force a move away from the French club, Aouar confirmed on social media that this was not the case.
He posted: ‘Once again, unfortunately another fake news was published across social media.
‘I don’t usually answer what’s been said about me… I was sick and hospitalised over the weekend.
‘I am doing much better now and I am ready for what comes next.
‘Thank you to those who have always supported me, in the good as well as in the mad moments. Go OL!’
