Why Arsenal should sign Houssem Aouar to replace Aaron Ramsey

According to a report in Metro, Premier League giants Arsenal are keen on signing Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar. Manager Unai Emery sees the Frenchman as an ideal replacement for the outgoing Aaron Ramsey.

The 20-year-old has been in great form this season as the heart of the Lyon team, especially impressing in the two Champions League games against Manchester City. As per the report in Football.London, Liverpool and Manchester City are keeping a close eye on the youngster.

Chelsea have also been interested in the player, as Maurizio Sarri sees him as an ideal number eight for his system. (Sun)

Emery, meanwhile, knows about Aouar from his time in France when he was Paris-Saint Germain’s manager. The Spaniard is in awe of the versatility this midfielder possesses. However, the 20-year-old will command a transfer fee in excess of £36m. (Metro)

The report adds that Arsenal are seeing him as an ideal replacement for Aaron Ramsey, who is set to leave the Emirates stadium after contract expiry. However, any move for the Lyon man could be dependent on whether the Gunners can qualify for the Champions League at the end of this season.

Here’s why the north London club should do everything to bring the midfielder to the Emirates:

Aouar’s quality is world-class

Houssem Aouar is a versatile midfield player who can operate as a central midfielder, as a number 10 and as a wide midfielder. Hence, tactically, he would be comfortable playing in either of 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 formation, the ones favoured by the Arsenal manager.

While playing against Manchester City, he was one of the best players on the pitch. There were two reasons behind it – the first being the forward nature of his passing, not afraid to bypass the press to find the forward runners. The second is his work rate off the ball, epitomising the way all big players go about their business in the game.

The Frenchman’s quality on the ball in terms of creating chances is immense and he puts in a tackle or two to break up the opposition play. In truth, he will be an ideal fit for any Premier League team, let alone Arsenal.

However, from the Gunners’ viewpoint, they need to make sure the 20-year-old plays for them come next season. For that to happen, Emery’s men have to qualify for the Champions League, enabling them to attract more players in the market.