Arsenal legend Ian Wright has explained how the signing of summer transfer target Houssem Aouar would make his former club even better.
The midfield duo of Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny were instrumental in the 1-0 victory over Manchester United over the weekend, but Wright believes bringing in a player of Aouar’s calibre could help take the Gunners to the next level as they look to improve their creative threat.
Arsenal wanted to sign Lyon midfielder Aouar in the summer transfer window and saw at least one offer rejected by the Ligue 1 club.
Wright was upfront in his discussion of the changes Arteta has introduced at the Emirates Stadium and how a player like Aouar could be the missing ingredient to get the Gunners firing strongly again.
“It is [important] because it’s something that’s continually labelled towards Arsenal, that they can’t beat the big-six teams,” Wright told Premier League Productions via Daily Express.
“I think that was something that was a little while back now, not since [Arteta’s] been there.
“I think the mentality has changed, the culture in what he’s doing has changed, the intensity and the way he wants to play. It’s all changed, it’s a new Arsenal in what they’re trying to do going forward.
“If he can continue to improve, like players improve with his coaching, and then he’s then able to add to that with Aouar, who they’re trying to get in the midfield alongside Partey, then you’ve got someone who can create for the forwards.
“So it’s all looking good and winning games like this will only stand you in good stead and give confidence to the team.”
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Aouar is certainly an eye-catching midfielder who perhpas offers a greater threat than Arteta’s current options.
Aouar’s record is nothing to be dismissed – two goals and an assist in seven Ligue 1 appearances this season is indicative of why the Gunners exhibited strong interest in the first place.
He is also tested at the highest level of European football. He managed six assists and a goal in eight Champions League appearances last season in his team’s run to the semi-finals.
His potential is self-evident – at just 22 years of age, he still has so much ahead of him, so Wright’s comments seem justified.
Bearing in mind that Aouar plays a deeper role in midfield, his creativity is even more impressive. Were he to be coupled with the defensive solidity and anchoring attributes that Partey provides, a formidable north London midfield duo could be born.
