A top Arsenal attacking midfield target reportedly snubbed a move to Manchester United on deadline day and is now set to head to Germany on a free transfer instead.
Lyon star Houssem Aouar was the subject of two big bids from the Gunners a couple of summers ago and was still thought to be on Mikel Arteta’s radar as his contract runs down.
Indeed, it’s understood that the Emirates outfit bid up to £33million for Aouar at the time, although the Ligue 1 side wanted closer to £45m.
That figure eventually scared Arsenal off. However, they’ve still monitored the player’s contract status and the fact that he can move on a free this summer.
But the Gunners were not the only Premier League club chasing the France international, who has now pledged his allegiance to Algeria on the international stage.
Aston Villa and Spanish outfit Real Betis both tried to snap up the player last summer. However, Aouar opted to enter the final year of his contract in France instead.
Then came United’s interest, with Patrick Berger of SPORT1 revealing that Ten Hag was keen on the midfielder.
It’s even claimed he turned down United in the process of deciding his next move, as Berger wrote on Twitter: “Houssem Aouar is close to joining Eintracht Frankfurt as a free agent. The 24yo midfielder turned down proposals from other clubs in summer, like Man United. Nothing signed yet but negotiations in advanced stages. Signing fee: €5m, salary around €3m.”
And now separate German reports have also confirmed the news. Indeed, Frankfurt are ready to pull off a major coup by signing the highly-rated 24-year-old.
For this part, though, Aouar has played down talk that a deal is done. He wrote on his official Twitter account: “Some people know before me where I will play next season.”
Aouar snub led to Sabitzer deal
It’s not all bad news for United though as they ended up turning to Marcel Sabitzer on loan instead.
The Austria international has settled in well at Old Trafford and could end up making his move permanent.
But as far as Arsenal are concerned, missing out on Aouar is somewhat of a blow, considering they have chased the player for so long.
Eintracht also needed a replacement for Tottenham target Daichi Kamada. The Japan international looks set to join Borussia Dortmund on a free transfer when his contract expires in June.
Kamada has also been linked with a switch to West Ham but is now seemingly staying in Germany instead.