Reported Arsenal target Houssem Aouar wants to develop further at Lyon but has not ruled out a move away from the Ligue 1 club in the future.
The highly-rated 20-year-old has made a big impression in the Lyon first-team since making the breakthrough in February 2017, and several top European clubs have been linked with a move for the midfielder as a result.
Arsenal and Barcelona have reportedly been tracking the youngster for the past 18 months, while he rejected a move to Liverpool before signing his first professional contract with Lyon.
According to France Football, as reported by Football.London, Unai Emery is a big fan of the midfielder and sees him as a potential replacement for Aaron Ramsey.
With a move away from Lyon in the future a real possibility for Aouar, who has scored five goals in 25 games in all competitions so far this season, the midfielder says he will be staying with Lyon for the time being even though some of Europe’s big clubs are looking at him:
“Since I was a kid, I wanted to play for Lyon. Even if there were approaches, my childhood dream came before everything.
“I was born in Lyon, that’s where I grew up, saw my elders succeed.
“I play for the club of my heart, so I’m in my dream.”
On hearing of him being linked with a move to one of Europe’s top clubs, Aouar said:
“I’m well protected with my family. It’s nice to hear, but I’m not getting carried away. My feet are firmly on the ground. I’ve only got a good half-season behind me, and I have everything to develop at Lyon.”
Chelsea and Manchester City are also being linked with a move for the Lyon player.
