Arsenal managed to qualify for Europa League next season. The win in the FA Cup finals against bitter rivals Chelsea helped them. Their 8th place finish in the Premier League shows their below-par performance. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is trying to rebuild his squad. He wants the Gunners to become more competitive in the league.

Arteta is ready to make a series of changes in his team. Some players will leave this summer. Namely, Kolasinac, Ozil, Guendouzi, Maitland-Niles, and Rob Holding are going to see the exit door from Arsenal.

This will relieve the club from the huge wage burden. Moreover, the lack of selection in the first team is hampering their full-time career.

Currently, Mesut Ozil is the highest-paid Arsenal player. However, he played only 3 appearances for the London Reds. This is disappointing for the 31-year-old playmaker.

Arteta is quite clear that Ozil is not part of his future plan. Hence, he is available for sale in this transfer window. There are considerable interests from the Turkish clubs for the ex-German International.

The Gunners are looking to replace him with some fresh legs. Philippe Coutinho was about to join the club according to DailyMail. The tables have taken a turn with Barcelona appointing Ronald Koeman as their new manager.

The Blaugrana club sacked Quique Setien after 2-8 humiliation in the Champions League quarter-finals. Koeman is fond of the Brazilian and may keep hold of him for the next season.

With Coutinho loan deal out of bounds, Arsenal is venturing into the market once again. Rumor mills were fueling up with James Rodriguez linked with a move to Emirates. The huge wage bill could create problems to seal the deal. Recently, Metro confirmed that the North-London outfit is trying to sign Lyon maestro Houssem Aouar.

Aouar to replace Ozil at Emirates

Houssem Aouar has been crucial for Lyon this season. He featured in the middle of the park in the Champions League. The club defeated big European clubs like Juventus and Manchester City. The 22-year-old Frenchman made 31 appearances this season scoring 4 and assisted 8 times.

Arsenal Sporting Director Edu has contacted Lyon over the possible transfer move. Edu’s Brazilian compatriot Juninho Perambuanco is the Sporting Director at the Ligue 1 outfit. Both the representatives have held talks regarding the transfer. Hence there is a chance.

Aouar has a price tag of around £ 45 million. Arsenal is willing to match the same and finalize the deal as soon as possible. Hence, there are signs of positivity for the upcoming season. Arteta is experimenting with the squad since his appointment. But he needs to deliver this very season in both the league and European competitions.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola branded the youngster as ‘incredible’ in 2018. Aouar can fill Ozil’s boots and shine in the Emirates on his arrival. Arsenal could splash some cash this season. Arteta’s reconstruction of the team began with the free transfer of Willian from Chelsea.