Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar was reportedly left surprised by Arsenal’s decision not to try harder to strike a transfer deal for him in the summer.
This is according to a report from ESPN, which states that the Gunners failed to meet Lyon’s €60million asking price for Aouar.
They add that this might now mean Arsenal have missed their chance, with the France international left surprised by the lack of a follow-up from the north London giants.
Aouar’s preference is now said to be for a move to Real Madrid or Barcelona, according to ESPN.
![[FILE] Liverpool’s Egyptian midfielder Mohamed Salah (L) runs with the ball as Arsenal’s Brazilian defender Gabriel closes in during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium in London. (Photo by Catherine Ivill / POOL / AFP)](https://www.afriupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/000_97B779-scaled-e1703231851386-120x86.jpg "Liverpool host Arsenal in battle for Premier League Christmas No. 1 2")
![[FILES] Arsenal’s Spanish manager Mikel Arteta gestures on the touchline during the English League Cup semi-final first leg football match between Liverpool and Arsenal at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on January 13, 2022. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP)](https://www.afriupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/000_9W63G7-897x598-1-120x86.jpg "Pochettino advised me not to go into coaching, says Arteta 4")
This does seem like a strange one from Arsenal, who still look like they would benefit hugely from a talented creative player like Aouar in their side.
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The 22-year-old could be an ideal long-term replacement for Mesut Ozil, and give Mikel Arteta more options in his attack after a difficult first half of the season.
Emile Smith Rowe has stepped up for AFC of late, but Aouar is a more proven player at the highest level after catching the eye in Ligue 1 and the Champions League in recent times.
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