Arsenal target in serious bother with club after shock training ground move
Arsenal-linked midfielder Houssem Aouar is in serious trouble with Lyon after refusing to train last Sunday, according to a report.
L’Equipe reports that the Ligue 1 side will drop the 22-year-old for Sunday’s clash with Reims after he chose not to take part in training last Sunday.
Lyon staff had organised a warm-down after last weekend’s victory over Angers. Indeed, the session took place on the club’s playing pitch and served as an alternative to training on Monday.
However, Aouar reportedly refused to train, citing the condition of the pitch so soon after the match.
As such, the French newspaper reports that Lyon sporting director Juninho and director of football Vincent Ponsot will not include Aouar in the matchday squad for this weekend’s game.
What’s more, the pair have received consent from Lyon’s president Jean-Michel Aulas to hand out the punishment.
L’Equipe notes that Aouar has taken unprecedented action; club chiefs have not had to step in once against a player in such circumstances in ‘recent years’.
Meanwhile, certain players in the squad have privately expressed their ‘astonishment’ at the developments.
The news comes after Arsenal were keen on signing Aouar in the recent transfer window. Indeed, they submitted an opening bid which Aulas described as “timid”.
But the Gunners did not return with another offer and instead signed defensive midfielder Thomas Partey for £45million.
Although, Arsenal continue to lack a creative spark, especially in the Premier League. Mikel Arteta’s side have only scored once in the top flight since October 4.
Striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has admitted that the lack of goals is Arteta’s “biggest problem”, but has backed his manager to find a solution.
Arteta delighted with Pepe response
Meanwhile, Arteta expressed his admiration for Nicolas Pepe in the way he stepped up following his recent sending off.
The winger netted in Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Molde on Thursday after seeing red against Leeds.
And Arteta said that he expects even more from the Ivory Coast international.
The post Arsenal target in serious bother with club after shock training ground move appeared first on teamtalk.com.