‘I’m happy to stay here, this is my club’: Houssem Aouar has no regrets at failing to seal a move to Arsenal as the France international insists he is relishing another season with Lyon
- Houssem Aouar says he is happy to have stayed at Lyon this summer
- The France midfielder had been heavily linked with a move to Arsenal
- Neither club were prepared to meet Lyon’s £45million release clause
- The Gunners instead opted to make a deadline day move for Thomas Partey
Houssem Aouar is adamant staying at Lyon this summer will prove to be the right decision after he was heavily linked with a move to Arsenal.
The highly rated midfielder was expected to leave the Ligue 1 side with the Gunners the favourites to secure his signature but a £45million transfer failed to materialise before the deadline.
Arsenal instead opted to pay the same price for Atletico Madrid’s Thomas Partey just before the window shut but Aouar insists he has no regrets over not making the switch to the Emirates.
Houssem Aouar says he has no regrets over a failed move from Lyon to Arsenal this summer
‘I am happy, this is my city and this my club,’ Aouar told Telefoot while on International duty with France.
‘I am proud to represent this club, I have so much motivation to make a great season.
‘We made a choice, I’m happy to stay here. Aulas and Juninho convinced me to stay in Lyon.’
The midfielder was heavily linked with a move to the Emirates but a deal could not be agreed
Arsenal instead opted to sign Thomas Partey but there were suggestions they could land both
The 22-year-old, who made his France debut on Thursday, scored nine goals and made 10 assists in all competitions last season and already has one strike to his name for the current campaign.
There had been suggestions Arsenal could sign both Aouar and Partey but they only brought in the latter.
As reported by Get French Football News on Sunday, Aouar was asked if his choice was simply between joining Arsenal or staying at Lyon, he said: ‘No, not necessarily. But it is true that at the end it was basically that. So, ultimately I had to make a decision and I am happy to stay here.’
Aouar admitted that Lyon’s sporting director Juninho played a major part in keeping him at the club.
He said: ‘As well as others. I spoke an enormous amount with Juni, everyday he shows his faith in me. It is a real pleasure for me to work with him and stay here for at least another season with Juni is a major source of pride.’
