Ex-Arsenal transfer target Houssem Aouar ‘close to changing nationality’ after being snubbed for France World Cup squad
LYON star Houssem Aouar is reportedly close to switching his nationality after being snubbed by France for the World Cup.
The midfielder was not selected by Les Bleus manager Didier Deschamps for the squad to travel to Qatar, as the team failed to retain the title after losing to Argentina on penalties in the final.
The 24-year-old is set to be available for the Algerian national team, according to the president of the Algerian Football Federation, Djahid Zefizef.
He said on TV 3: "Houssem Aouar has given us his agreement to join the Algerian selection."
Zefizef also suggested that Rennes striker Amine Gouiri could follow suit.
He added: "We are also in discussion with Amine Gouiri. However, in his case, nothing has yet been decided."
However, it appears that the president was jumping the gun as Aouar's representatives have argued that no agreement has been reached.
The Lyon midfielder intends to switch his allegiance to the African side, and initial talks have started, according to GFFN.
His decision to make the switch is to boost his chances of playing international football again.
Aouar has not played internationally since 2020, when he made his one and only France appearance during a friendly against Ukraine.
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Aouar was once a transfer target for Arsenal but no move happened despite links between him and club going on for a couple of years.
In the summer, he was reportedly finally close to a switch to the Premier League to join Nottingham Forest, but a transfer collapsed.