According to a report by French newspaper Le Parisien via Sport Witness, Man City are eyeing a move for star Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar as club legend David Silva prepares to part ways – and manager Pep Guardiola has waxed lyrical over the Frenchman in past interviews.
Indeed, Arsenal and Juventus are also said to be in the hunt for his signature, while the Sky Blues are not ‘hiding their interest’ in bringing him to the Etihad.
Aouar, described as ‘Zidane-like’ by Business Insider, is a sought-after playmaker who could fill the hole left by Silva following his departure.
The Spaniard played his last ever Premier League game during the 5-0 victory over Norwich City, with youngster Phil Foden tipped to take his mantle, but these reports suggest we could hold an alternative option with swoop for Aouar.
Who should replace David Silva?
Houssem Aouar
Phil Foden
Worth the punt?
Guardiola has lauded Aouar in the past as ‘incredible’, but he will not come cheaply, with a recent report courtesy of Calciomercato claiming Lyon will only part ways if clubs manage to meet his £63 million release clause.
Starting 23 matches for the Ligue 1 giants over 2019/2020, Aouar has averaged 2.6 completed dribbles per 90 according to WhoScored, more than any City attacker has managed in the Premier League.
Compared to Silva, while the youngster doesn’t make as many key passes, he does in fact manage a superior number of shots on goal.
What’s being said…
As well as Guardiola, Aouar has attracted praise from none other than footballing superstar Lionel Messi, who worshipped the midfielder’s potential whilst naming 15 youth players on the rise, as quoted by GiveMeSport.
“He is always calm with the ball at his feet with an excellent technical quality.” explained Messi, noteworthy plaudits from a man who is debatably the best footballer of all time.
The final verdict…
Links to such a talent should excite a few supporters, but the rise of Foden has somewhat diminished urgent talk of a replacement for Silva, with the Englishman particularly impressing since lockdown.
Whether or not we go for Aouar remains to be seen, but it would certainly be a statement of intent to the rest of the Premier League.