Transfer Centre

Ian Wright urges Arsenal to revive Houssem Aouar pursuit

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 03 November 2020

Arsenal legend Ian Wright believes that Houssem Aouar - who the Gunners tried to sign over the summer - is the missing piece of the puzzle at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal legend Ian Wright has urged the Gunners not to throw in the towel in their pursuit of Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar.

The 22-year-old was linked with a move to the Emirates all throughout the summer, but Arsenal and Lyon could not come to an agreement over a fee and Aouar ultimately stayed put at the Groupama Stadium.

Mikel Arteta's men instead opted to sign Thomas Partey from Atletico Madrid, while Mohamed Elneny is enjoying more first-team action following his loan spell with Besiktas, but Wright still believes that Arsenal could use a creative midfielder in the form of Aouar.

Speaking to Premier League Productions, Wright said: "It is [important] because it's something that's continually labelled towards Arsenal, that they can't beat the big-six teams. I think that was something that was a little while back now, not since [Arteta's] been there.

"I think the mentality has changed, the culture in what he's doing has changed, the intensity and the way he wants to play. It's all changed, it's a new Arsenal in what they're trying to do going forward.

"If he can continue to improve, like players improve with his coaching, and then he's then able to add to that with Aouar, who they're trying to get in the midfield alongside Partey, then you've got someone who can create for the forwards.

"So it's all looking good and winning games like this will only stand you in good stead and give confidence to the team."

Partey and Elneny were heavily praised for their performances in the heart of the Arsenal midfield against Manchester United, with both players contributing to a 1-0 Gunners win as they ended a 14-year run without a top-flight victory at Old Trafford.

Meanwhile, Aouar has begun the 2020-21 campaign at Lyon with two goals and one assist from seven Ligue 1 appearances for Les Gones, where he is under contract until 2023.