Despite being given an opportunity to sign Lyon star midfielder Houssem Aouar, Roma may fall short of Milan in the race for the Frenchman’s signature. Corriere dello Sport insists Jose Mourinho is adamant about adding two pieces to his depleted engine room this winter, including the 24-year-old Aouar.
However, the same source says reigning Serie A champions Milan are at the head of the queue. Stefano Pioli needs to address a shortage of numbers in the Rossoneri midfield, with Aouar emerging as one of his preferred targets.
Due to his playmaking skills and brilliant technique, Aouar has been tipped for greatness ever since breaking onto the big scene with Lyon in 2016. But several injury setbacks have slowed down his progress at the Groupama Stadium amid growing interest from several Premier League clubs, including Arsenal.
During Peter Bosz’s ill-fated tenure, Aouar became a benchwarmer, often being forced to play second fiddle to Maxence Caqueret and Jeff Reine-Adelaide. Laurent Blanc’s appointment as a new chief of staff in October has turned his fortunes around, bringing him back to the first-team picture.
Aouar’s future could be in Serie A as Milan aim to capitalize on his current contract situation at Lyon. The sought-after playmaker has less than a year left to run on his deal in Ligue 1. And it seems the Rossoneri are ready to pounce as early as January.
Milan need to strengthen their midfield department, with Sandro Tonali and Ismael Bennacer dealing with recurring injury problems. Yet Roma could spoil their plans. Mourinho is in the market for a new creative midfielder after Georginio Wijnaldum picked up a season-ending injury.
Having failed to land Davide Frattesi in the summer, Roma have turned their attention to other targets. Ola Solbakken of Bodo/Glimt has caught Mourinho’s eye, but Aouar remains a dream signing.