Houssem Aouar denies 'fake news' reports that he skipped Lyon training
Arsenal target Houssem Aouar denies ‘fake news’ reports that he skipped first day of pre-season training with Lyon to force through exit to Premier League… insisting he was ill and in HOSPITAL – but is now ‘much better ready for what comes next’
- Houssem Aouar has been strongly linked with a move to Arsenal this past year
- Reports claimed the 23-year-old had skipped Lyon training to force a move
- Aouar released a statement slamming the ‘fake news’ reports about his absence
- The midfielder revealed he was in hospital with illness but is better now
Houssem Aouar has strongly denied ‘fake news’ reports that he missed Lyon training to force through a summer transfer by revealing he has been in hospital with an illness.
The 23-year-old midfielder was the subject of several bids by Arsenal last summer and the Aouar was strongly linked with a summer move to the Gunners this year.
Reports emerged on Monday that the Frenchman had skipped Lyon’s opening day of pre-season this week to try and provoke an exit from the club, but Aouar revealed in a statement that he was not well enough to train but is now recovered.
Houssem Aouar has hit out at ‘fake news’ reports who say he skipped Lyon’s first day of training
The French midfielder has been strongly linked with Mikel Arteta’s (above) Arsenal recently
He said: ‘Once again, unfortunately another fake news was published across social media. I don’t usually answer what’s been said about me… I was sick and hospitalised over the weekend. I am doing much better now and I am ready for what comes next.
‘Thank you to those who have always supported me, in the good as well as in the mad moments. Go OL!’
Aouar enjoyed a positive 2010-20 season that caught Arsenal’s eye, scoring nine goals and registering ten assists across all competitions.
Aouar revealed he has been in hospital this week due to an illness so was not able to train
Lyon told Arsenal that Aouar was available for £45million but the Gunners opted to spend that money on Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Partey instead, meaning Aouar stayed at Lyon.
The midfielder confirmed at the start of last season that he had ‘no regrets’ about the Arsenal deal falling through, with Lyon owner Jean-Michel Aulas and sporting director Juninho convincing the player to stay.
Speaking about Lyon, Aouar told Telefoot in October: ‘I am happy, this is my city and this my club.
‘I am proud to represent this club, I have so much motivation to make a great season.
The 23-year-old France international revealed he is better now and is ‘ready for what is next’
‘We made a choice, I’m happy to stay here. Aulas and Juninho convinced me to stay in Lyon.’
In a separate interview, Aouar was asked if his choice was simply between joining Arsenal or staying at Lyon, he said: ‘No, not necessarily. But it is true that at the end it was basically that. So, ultimately I had to make a decision and I am happy to stay here.
‘I spoke an enormous amount with Juni, everyday he shows his faith in me. It is a real pleasure for me to work with him and stay here for at least another season with Juni is a major source of pride.’
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