Juventus will be in the market for a new center midfielder this summer. And if Juventini had their way, the Bianconeri would sign two players at the position. The club clearly needs more quality in the middle of the park. Rodrigo Bentancur and Adrien Rabiot are more rotational pieces, and young 2020 signings Arthur Melo and Weston McKennie have yet to truly show they are Juve-caliber starters in midfield.
Manuel Locatelli, Houssem Aouar, and Rodrigo De Paul appear to be the three main targets, with a host of decent options like Joan Jordan rounding out something of a “B” list. The Sassuolo star, Locatelli, appears to be the headliner, but Aouar is very much an excellent target.
Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas recently revealed his club’s stance on Aouar during a press conference, via ActuFoot (article in French).
Aulas made it clear that Lyon do not want Aouar to leave this summer. However, as a club that regularly produces young talent, Lyon do not wish to hold Aouar back from leaving if he wishes to challenge himself at a bigger club like Juventus (or the others who will be interested). Aulas also made it clear that if Lyon do not get the price they are looking for, then they will not sell Aouar and will be happy to keep him.
Could Juventus get Houssem Aouar cheaper this summer?
Basically, Lyon’s stance is what any Juventino could reasonably expect. The Ligue 1 side doesn’t want to lose such a talented player, but they are willing to sell him if he wants to go at a price that matches their valuation. Anything below their valuation, and they are going to decline.
But their valuation is the real question here. Aouar could cost around 50 million euros, given his youth and quality. He has cooled off a bit this season, which could help Juve sign him at a comparatively cheaper price. Further, because Aouar could not go last summer due to the lack of money floating around, Lyon may reduce their price as a good-faith gesture to Aouar so that it is easier for him to get the move he wishes.
So stay tuned. Aouar is very much on the Juventus wishlist and would be a great, attacking-minded addition to a midfield that sorely lacks creativity.