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TBR View: At just £17m, Houssem Aouar has to be next for Arsenal after Lokonga

Lee Connor

Mon 19 July 2021 17:15, UK

Arsenal have announced the signing of Albert Lokonga today and now Houssem Aouar should be the next on their list of signings.

Lokonga has signed a long-term deal with the Gunners and will fly out to Florida with the team to complete pre-season training.

The young Belgian will add energy, steel, and a youthful vibrance to a midfield which did need it. But with Lokonga through the door, attentions now should turn to long-term target, Houssem Aouar.

According to reports from , he is available at a bargain price of just £17m this summer. That’s a whopping £37m discount on the initial asking price of around .

Arsenal need a creator and a ball carrier from the middle, and Aouar ticks so many boxes for them.

Long-term target

It is, of course, no secret that Arsenal admire Aouar. He’s been on their wishlist for some time now but has always proved that bit too expensive.

But surely now is the time to strike? £17m is a bargain for a player of Aouar’s quality and experience. Remember, this is a player who has impressed in Europe, with Pep Guardiola a known fan as well.

Emile Smith Rowe’s emergence has shifted the focus a bit for the Gunners in fairness. The youngster is good enough to be that number ten or creative force.

However, more faces are needed. There was a moment in time when Arsenal would have killed to have Houssem Aouar onboard.

Now, at just £17m and more than two thirds cheaper than his original asking-price, the time is now.

Put simply, this is a deal the Gunners just cannot afford to let slip.