Manchester City And Juventus Position Themselves To Recruit Ligue 1 Playmaker: Right Choice For Pep? | OneFootball

According to a recent print edition of L’Equipe (transcripted and translated by Sport Witness), both Manchester City and Juventus have ‘positioned themselves’ to recruit Houssem Aouar from Olympique Lyonnais this summer. Even though the same source has also stated that the two clubs are yet to enter negotiations with Lyon, yet the Ligue 1 giants have ‘laid the groundwork’ for the French midfielder’s exit ‘for several months’ which could open the door for the Citizens to snap him up during the summer transfer window.

Aouar’s Brilliant Form In France Last Season

The Lyon-born playmaker has transformed himself into one of the most consistent performers at the Groupama Stadium after putting in several outstanding performances at the heart of Rudi Garcia’s midfield. He participated in 37 matches for the French outfit last season, finding the back of the net nine times while providing seven assists in multiple competitions which proves just how much he has grown as a playmaker over the past ten months.

The 21-year-old has made a name for himself at Lyon after averaging 1.1 tackles, 0.5 interceptions, 1.8 shots, 1.0 key passes and 2.6 dribbles per 90 minutes in the recently concluded Ligue 1 campaign (stats via whoscored). His excellent contributions have enhanced his reputation and made him a favourite among the French club’s supporters, so it is no surprise that two top European clubs including Man City are ready to pounce on his services this summer.

Aouar has represented France at various youth ranks but is yet to earn a senior cap for Didier Deschamps’ French national team. However, his potential is there for everyone to see, so it is only a matter of time before he gets his first senior call-up for Les Blues.

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Aouar is usually very accurate with his ball-distribution as evidenced by his pass completion rate of 85.7% in the Ligue 1 last season (stats via whoscored). He can utilise his pace and agility to make some tireless runs with the ball in the opposition half and is quite versatile as he can play in multiple positions in the middle of the park. The French prospect is primarily a central midfielder, but can also fill in as a left-sided wide player or operate in the number ten position as an attacking midfielder if required.

Aouar has the technique, flair and the dribbling ability to cause a lot of headaches for the opposition and has the eye to play a decisive ball in the final third which explains how he has bagged seven assists in the previous campaign.

Is Aouar The Right Choice For The Citizens?

Signing someone of Aouar’s potential could prove to be an intelligent move for the Mancunian giants this summer. He will not only bring more goals and creativity to the Etihad Stadium but also increase competition for places within Pep Guardiola’s squad. With David Silva living on borrowed time at the north-west of England, Aouar could serve as a perfect long-term replacement for the ageing Spanish playmaker. Plus, the French wonderkid could potentially form a lethal creative partnership with Kevin De Bruyne at the centre of Guardiola’s midfield.

The Lyon youngster would be an excellent choice for Man City ahead of the new season as he will help them close the gap to Liverpool at the summit of Premier League football. However, it won’t be easy for the Citizens to win the race for his signature, mainly because they are facing the possibility of being banned from all UEFA competitions for at least two years.