Manchester City and Juventus have emerged as the frontrunners in the race for French midfielder Houssem Aouar, who appears destined to leave Lyon this summer.
The dynamic Aouar has established himself as one of Europe's most sought-after midfielders following his breakthrough 2017/18 campaign with Les Gones.
In the past two-and-a-half years in Ligue 1, the France Under-21 international has notched 16 goals and 16 assists, as well as starring in the Champions League this term.
But it appears he's played his final game in Lyon colours following the cancellation of French football back in April, with the latest update from Bilel Ghazi of L'Equipe all but confirming his imminent departure.
The French news outlet believe the 'door is open' for Aouar to depart this summer, with a lack of Champions League football next season convincing the Lyon hierarchy they won't be able to retain the Frenchman's services for next season.
Transferts: l'OL ne retient pas Houssem Aouar, convoité par City & la Juve. Programmé cet été, le départ du milieu se dessine pourtant dans un timing plus long que prévu. Sans que cela n'incite, pour le moment, les dirigeants lyonnais à tenter de le garder https://t.co/4tew2vtJQq
— Bilel Ghazi (@BilelGhazi) June 1, 2020
It's understood Les Gones will accept offers in the region of €50m for the 21-year-old, with City and Juventus said to be the current favourites.
It was reported back in April that Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool were other potential suitors, while Paris Saint-Germain are also believed to hold an interest in the player.
Nevertheless, with David Silva set to depart at the end of the campaign, Pep Guardiola, who's said to be an admirer of the 21-year-old, could view the Frenchman as his replacement in a 'free eight' role at the Etihad.
Aouar is believed to be keen on a switch to Manchester, but the court decision regarding City's European ban will ultimately be a deciding factor as to whether he makes the move.
Juve, meanwhile, are working hard behind the scenes in a bid to convince the player who excelled in Lyon's Champions League victory over the Old Lady back in February.
However, neither club are believed to have started negotiations with the French club.
Source: 90min
