Premier League trio track £65m-rated Lyon midfielder
Arsenal have joined Manchester City and Liverpool in tracking Lyon midfield wonderkid Houssem Aouar.
The 21-year-old is seen as one of the hottest talents in Europe, with a number of the top clubs following his progress.
The France Under-21 international has been scouted by all the Premier League’s elite, along with Real Madrid and Juventus.
And the Gunners, along with City and Jurgen Klopp’s Champions League winners are also stepping up efforts to sign him.
Pep Guardiola has been long-term admirer of Aouar, and singled him out for praise after facing Lyon last season.
The former Barcelona chief said at the time: “ Houssem is a very good player. He is incredible.
“He is excellent. He is always very calm with the ball at his feet, with an excellent technical quality.”
Liverpool have identified Aouar as a possible long-term midfielder, and have already been in initial talks over a £65m deal.
And Mikel Arteta is also keen, but a move would be difficult with the North Londoner’s have a smaller transfer budget this summer.
Lyon have already admitted they might not been able to keep hold on to one of their star players, who joined them from AC Villeurbanne.
An Etihad source said: “Pep knows this player very well – he is a top talent and clearly one of the best around for his age.
“He appeals because he can play right across the midfield and is at a good age with David Silva coming to the end of his career.
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“Phil Foden will step up again next season and we have a lot of other talent in the youth ranks as well. We will see this summer.”
However, City’s move for the Lyon ace would be effected by whether they win their appeal over a Champions League ban for the next campaign.
Aouar broke into the Lyon first-team in 2017 and has made 97 Ligue One appearances and scored 16 goals.