Arsenal, Man City alerted as Juninho admits Aouar can be sold | OneFootball

Olympique Lyon sports chief Juninho Pernambucano admits Houssem Aouar can be sold this summer.

As they prepare for a Champions League quarterfinal against Manchester City this week in Lisbon, Juninho was asked about the future of their young midfielder Aouar.

The France U21 international was again impressive in Lyon's Champions League elimination of Juventus on Friday night and is being courted by major clubs from across Europe.

The midfield schemer has long attracted interest from the likes of Manchester City and Juventus. Arsenal are also keen, where manager Mikel Arteta first scouted Aoaur on behalf of City and their manager Pep Guardiola.

Juninho concedes the big club interest is no secret and admits for Aouar a sale could happen.

The OL sporting director told RMC via Le 10 Sport: "In the absence of arrivals, I rather think that there will be departures.

"Houssem Aouar? When you have great players in the squad, it is quite logical that other bigger teams and with greater economic power come to seek those players.

"There is a risk of losing important players. If we lose important players, I have already spoken with the president, we will have the right to balance the squad."

Aouar has been with OL since he was 11 years of age and has a contract to 2023.

The midfield schemer, 22, is waiting for his first senior cap.

- updated August 10