Juventus Transfers: Houssem Aouar is worth the price

Juventus have acquired Arthur Melo but still need more star power in midfield. Houssem Aouar would be a wonderful signing.

The best young midfielders in the world are being linked to Juventus this summer, and while it will be difficult for the Bianconeri to land the likes of Nicolò Zaniolo and Sandro Tonali, they should do everything they can to pursue the best young players they can sign. With Andrea Pirlo at the helm, they may be able to use the clout of a legend to entice Europe’s best and brightest.

But if they really want to make a bold upgrade to their midfield that will add attacking power, then they should look at none other than Lyon star Houssem Aouar.

In head-to-head competition, Aouar has surely impressed Juve’s decision-makers. Taking his stats across both legs, Aouar, per WhoScored.com, had three key passes, four fouls drawn, nine dribbles completed, and an assist. Those are outstanding numbers, and Aouar played a huge role in knocking out Juventus.

So why not recruit him?

Aouar has interest from all over Europe, including Real Madrid, who could be a difficult team to beat for Aouar’s signature in the future. But in 2020, Real are uninterested in making any major signings, as they have the incomparable Kylian Mbappé in their plans for 2021.

Juventus are interested in signing Houssem Aouar

According to a recent report from Tuttosport.com, Juventus are weighing up an ambitious 70 million euro move for the center midfielder.

That is indeed a lot of money to spend, and it may be difficult for Juventus to work out a swap deal with Lyon. But Aouar is so undeniably talented that the Bianconeri have to at least make an attempt. He’s the kind of player who can turn Juve from first-round exiters in the Champions League to a team that can fulfill its potential as champions.

Imagine Aouar sliding passes to Paulo Dybala and Cristiano Ronaldo after dribbling past several defenders. He and Dybala could form one of Serie A’s most exciting connections for years to come.

Aouar plays with such intelligence and grace that it’s often easy to forget that the future French international is only 22 years old. He is a natural in midfield, averaging a staggering 4.5 dribbles completed per game and 2.7 fouls drawn per match in the Champions League.

It won’t be easy for Juventus to scrounge together enough money to sign Aouar, but if they can, he is worth the price. If Juve can make enough sales this summer, including potentially Douglas Costa and Federico Bernardeschi in the attack, then perhaps they can find a way to make a major signing by adding the Lyon man to their midfield.

Juve need a player with Aouar’s qualities in their midfield arguably more than any other upgrade, with the possible exception of a regista if Rodrigo Betancur is unfit for the role. But a midfield of Bentancur, Arthur, and Aouar could help the Bianconeri turn a weakness into a huge strength.