It would have been very close if Houssem Aouar had exchanged Olympique Lyon for Juventus in the last transfer window. France Football writes that there was already an agreement about the 22-year-old attacking midfielder. Part of that agreement was a rental period from Federico Bernardeschi les Gones, but the 26-year-old winger declined for a move to France.

In addition to the arrival of Bernardeschi, Olympique Lyon could also look forward to fifty million euros from Turin. However, the agreement between Juventus and the French club was thrown away when the attacker turned his nose to a temporary transfer to les Gones. Juventus paid 40 million euros in the summer of 2017 to loosen Bernardeschi at Fiorentina and his contract will continue until mid-2022. The 24-time Italian international played less than a minute this season due to a muscle injury, from which he has now recovered. is.

Bernardeschi’s refusal eventually left Aouar in Lyon. The attacking midfielder was associated with a transfer almost all summer, as Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal were mentioned as candidates. The Gunners offered 38 million euros, while Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas refused to settle for less than 50 million euros and 10 million euros in variable bonuses. Besides Aouar, Olympique Lyon also kept the sought-after Memphis Depay and Moussa Dembélé on board.

“I’m glad I stayed, this is my city and my club. I am proud to play for this club, I am extremely motivated to make it a great season. We made the choice, I am happy to stay here. Aulas and Juninho (technical director of Olympique Lyon, ed.) Convinced me to stay here ”, Aouar spoke to Téléfoot. The single French international still has a contract with Olympique Lyon until mid-2023.