According to a report from the Sun, City are among a host of Premier League giants including Arsenal and Liverpool who are tracking the progress of Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar – and it could be high time to make the young star a priority target.
Aouar, who has attracted attention with his dazzling performances in Ligue 1 this season, is seen as ‘one of the hottest young talents in Europe‘ – with the France U21 international also turning the heads of both Juventus and Real Madrid.
The midfielder, who has accumulated an impressive 85.7% pass accuracy domestically this season, could be exactly the kind of composed creative addition that Pep Guardiola is looking for – especially when trying to find a worthy heir to club legend David Silva.
City youngster Phil Foden has been tipped to take that mantle, and with his debatably sky high potential, it’s little wonder why – but could we benefit further from signing a red hot talent like Aouar as well?
A £65 million summer swoop for the 21-year-old would require us to break our transfer record for the second time in a year, with our current highest ever fee still standing with the £62.8 million Rodri transfer last July.
Another report from the Sun, however, has indicated that Guardiola is actually a long-time admirer of Aouar, with the Spanish gaffer singling him out after we faced Lyon last season.
Should City sign Aouar?
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An Etihad source has also claimed that the ex-Barca boss knows him very well and appeals because he can play right across the midfield, something highly sought-after given Silva has reached the end of his Sky Blues career.
Taking all this evidence into account, it’s clear that Aouar has bags of potential – already averaging more completed dribbles this campaign than any City player by comparison according to WhoScored.
Even though Foden has been recognised as one to watch for the future, perhaps a swoop for the Lyon star is well worth the thought – after-all, there should be no harm in a little competition.