This article contains affiliate links, and we may receive a commission on any sales generated as a result of them. Find out more
Arsenal could replicate the signing of Samir Nasri by bringing in Houssem Aouar from Lyon, ten years after Nasri left the Emirates Stadium for Manchester City. Rio Ferdinand, a former Manchester United defender, has analyzed the pair's playing styles, and there are more parallels than he might think.
Despite signing 21-year-old youngster Albert Sambi Lokonga from Anderlecht, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and sporting director Edu want to sign another midfielder this summer.
Arsenal missed out on signing Norwich City offensive midfielder Emiliano Buendia earlier this summer.
Aston Villa beat out North Londoners to land the Argentine, whose move was finally finalized after he played in Argentina's triumphant Copa America campaign.
DON'T MISS:
According to various reports, Arteta and Edu have now relocated to Aouar.
Former England international Ferdinand has already praised the 23-year-old and compared him to former Arsenal villain Nasri.
“In this team, he [Aouar] gives creativity,” Ferdinand stated on BT Sport.
“He's such a young kid, but he's relied on so much. That demonstrates their faith in him as well as his faith in himself.
"You can see his imagination and the images he generates and sees on the field, as well as his vision and tactical awareness."
"The confidence that this youngster radiates is palpable. He's a fantastic player to watch. He drives past people, and then it's a matter of decision-making and timing the pass.
"He has everything. At moments, he reminds me of [former Arsenal and Manchester City star] Samir Nasri.
“He has the potential to be a good player at one of Europe's premier clubs.”
If he signs, Arsenal fans will be hoping that Aouar does not go on to engineer a move away in the same way that Nasri did a decade ago.
After joining City, Nasri infuriated fans by claiming, "Arsenal have good fans, but not that passionate since they relocated from Highbury."
"City fans are quite fervent. The audience was incredible when we played against City. That's exactly what I'm looking for."
However, there are numerous more parallels between the two. Both are tiny offensive midfielders with a penchant for scoring and assisting.
Aouar, 23, is only two years older than Nasri was when he signed for £12 million from Marseille.
When he made his senior debut for Les Bleus against Ukraine last year, he joined Nasri as a France international.
If Aouar leaves Lyon this summer, he will have made only four more appearances than Nasri did for Marseille.
Aouar has made 170 appearances for the Ligue 1 club, while Nasri has made 166 before moving to North London.
However, the latter scored significantly fewer goals, with 12 compared to Aouar's 32.
If Aurora completes a rumored £30 million transfer, he may also inherit Arsenal's shirt number.
Under Arsene Wenger, Nasri wore the No. 8, which was then taken up by current manager Arteta when he was signed in 2012.
Aaron Ramsey wore the number before it was given to loanee Dani Ceballos during his two loan stints at the club, but with his return to Real Madrid, it would be available for Aouar to assume.
DON'T MISS:
No comments:
Post a Comment