Arsenal £54m target Houssem Aouar idolises Zidane, lives with parents to stay grounded, but wants to play for Guardiola
HOUSSEM AOUAR has exploded onto the scene for Lyon.
The 22-year-old midfielder shone in a 3-1 win over Manchester City, and was instrumental in helping the Ligue 1 side reach the Champions League semi-final.
His form has alerted Arsenal, who have reportedly had a bid of cash plus outcast star Matteo Guendouzi rejected for the outstanding talent.
With Lyon holding out for £54million for their prize star, the Gunners could be priced out of a move for the French-born playmaker.
Aouar was raised in Lyon by Algerian parents and grew up idolising Zidane.
He still lives with his mum to stay grounded, but forget a move to North London - Aouar has said in the past he'd love to play under Pep Guardiola, who has raved about the exciting prospect.
His performances have drawn comparisons to 'Zizou' - his comfortability and calmness on the ball for one, as well as an ability to take a game by the scruff of its neck.
Those attributes were honed on the streets and in the school playground, where Aouar pretended to be the World Cup winner.
"It was usually Zidane."
"I thought about it hard with those close to me on the decision I needed to take, what was better for my progression.
"I opted for Lyon because it is the club of my heart and my aim was to succeed here, in [Lyon]."
"He's always very calm with the ball at his feet, with an excellent technical quality."
With Lyon admitting they expect Aouar to leave the club this summer, there will be an inevitable scramble for his signature.
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And according to Guardiola, whoever gets him will be signing an "incredible" player.