Transfer Talk: Arsenal finally firm up Aouar interest

Arsenal have bid for Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar as the Gunners look to belatedly kick off a summer of squad strengthening.

French outlet Le10Sport say that the North Londoners have finally firmed up their long-running interest in the 23-year-old with a formal offer — though the exact figure of the bid is still unknown. 

Lyon, who finished a disappointing fourth in Ligue 1 last term, are thought to be willing to sell should an offer around the £20 million mark be received.

Aouar is reportedly keen on a move to the Emirates and talks are said to be progressing well, with his current club needing to sell before they can pursue any new recruits of their own this window. 

The Daily Mail suggest that the Gunners could face competition for his signature however, with Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi described as a “big fan” of the player. Atletico Madrid have also been linked.

Aouar racked up eight goals and four assists in 33 appearances for OL in 2020-21 but didn’t make the France squad for Les Bleus' ill-fated Euro 2020 campaign.

Eagles eye Rogers swoop

New Crystal Palace boss Patrick Vieira is eyeing a move for Manchester City’s young forward Morgan Rogers, according to the Daily Mail.

Vieira, who signed a three-year-deal with the Eagles on Sunday, wants to lower the average age of his squad and believes securing 18-year-old Rogers would be a perfect start.

The youngster, who spent the second half of last season impressing on loan at League One Lincoln, joined City from West Brom back in 2019 for an initial £4m fee.

The Premier League champions would demand at least £7m to allow him to make the move south — as well as ensuring the inclusion of performance-based clauses and a sell-on fee in any deal.

Well-regarded Lincoln boss Michael Appleton spoke in glowing terms about Rogers last year during his loan spell.

He said: “He’s a great lad, Morgan. A proper, proper footballer, on and off the pitch. He’s the type of player you want to work with all the time.”

In other news

Bayer Leverkusen central defender Edmond Tapsoba still expects to be at the Bundesliga club next season despite interest from both Arsenal and Chelsea, according to the Metro.

The Manchester Evening News report that Brighton’s capture of defensive midfielder Enock Mwepu has boosted Manchester United’s hopes of landing Seagulls star Yves Bissouma this summer.

Football Insider say that Aston Villa have not given up in their pursuit of Arsenal’s 20-year-old attacking midfielder Emile Smith Rowe and are preparing to make a third bid, thought to be over £30m.