Juventus reportedly remain firmly in contention for the signing of sought-after Lyon playmaker Houssem Aouar. However, Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal, and Liverpool are ready to challenge the Bianconeri for the Frenchman, TUTTOmercatoWEB reports.
Aouar has a year left to run on his contract at the Groupama Stadium and is widely expected to leave Lyon in the coming weeks. The 23-year-old has attracted a lot of interest across Europe following a breathtaking five-year stint with Les Gones.
After playing a prominent role in Lyon’s imperious Champions League charge back in 201920, Aouar endured a somewhat injury-riddled last season. But he remains one of the most coveted youngsters in Europe’s top-five divisions, with Arsenal in the driving seat to secure his signature.
The Gunners made several attempts to price him away from Ligue 1 last summer but failed to match Lyon’s asking price. They could finalize their long-term interest this time around, with Aouar’s price taking a significant markdown compared to last summer due to his current contractual situation.
Watch out for Juventus, though, with Massimiliano Allegri looking to bolster his midfield options in the ongoing transfer window. The Italian manager is ready to offload the likes of Aaron Ramsey and Arthur in the summer after the duo experienced an underwhelming season at the Allianz Stadium.
Juventus were linked with a move for Aouar back in the January transfer window but struggled to strike a deal with Lyon. However, the dethroned Serie A champions are ready to accelerate their interest in the Frenchman in the upcoming period.
Liverpool are also in the fray, particularly in light of Georginio Wijnaldum’s departure for Paris Saint-Germain. The Premier League heavyweights are bracing themselves for a busy summer as Jurgen Klopp looks to mount more challenge on the Premier League title next term.