Arsenal: Mikel Arteta addresses Houssem Aouar transfer rumours
Arsenal are reportedly planning to go after Lyon star Houssem Aouar again this transfer window. Mikel Arteta wanted the France international last summer, only to end up missing out. But, this summer, they’re hoping things will be different. Express Sport will now take a look at how the Gunners have already signed two perfect players for the France international in the forms of Thomas Partey and Nicolas Pepe in recent years.
They waited until deadline day before choosing between Aouar and Thomas Partey, eventually opting for the latter.
Partey struggled last term, mainly because he was being asked to do too many things at once. Unlike at Atletico, where he was a powerful box to box midfielder who was defensively disciplined.
Some games, the Ghana international was given license to roam. But, in others, he was told to stick to his defensive duties.
That meant Partey was unable to showcase his best form however, should Aouar arrive, it would allow him to do what he does best.
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Arsenal asked for too much from the midfielder last term.
But there are genuine hopes within the Emirates Stadium that, after a good rest and pre-season training, he’ll return a player transformed.
What bodes well on that front is the expected departure of Granit Xhaka, who appears primed to play for Jose Mourinho at Serie A side Roma next term.
The departure of a defensive midfielder suggests Arsenal, who are severely impacted by the coronavirus crisis, feel they already have a midfield warrior ready to step up.
And if they can get Partey back to his Atletico best, he may end up justifying their decision to sign him 12 months ago after all.
Arsenal signing Houssem Aouar would benefit Thomas Partey and Nicolas Pepe (Image: GETTY)
He’s shown only glimpses of his best form during his time at Arsenal but, while that’s the case, the Gunners are unwilling to jettison their prized asset just yet.
Aouar may be the ticket to Pepe getting back to the player he was over in Ligue 1.
The Ivorian is expected to play a big role next term, especially after enjoying a positive end to the campaign.
Pepe scored five goals in his final three matches, getting man of the match awards for scintillating showings against the likes of Crystal Palace and Brighton.
His struggles at Arsenal coincided with the decline, and then sale, of Mesut Ozil.
But with Aouar possibly joining this summer, the Lyon playmaker has the potential to help any potential new team-mates get even better.
Arsenal transfer target Houssem Aouar has flourished alongside Memphis Depay at Lyon (Image: GETTY)