Arsenal are tracking Olympique Lyonnais star Houssem Aouar as a possible replacement for Aaron Ramsey, according to reports.

The Daily Mail write that Arsenal have been scouting Aouar for the last 18 months, and they consider him someone who could replace Ramsey, with the Welshman’s contract coming to an end next summer. The Lyon midfielder’s performances in this season’s Champions League have reportedly particularly caught Unai Emery’s eye.

The Week write that Aouar is ‘near the top’ of Emery’s list of players to sign when Ramsey leaves. Although Chelsea were initially planning to rival Arsenal for the 20-year-old’s signature, they’ve since turned their attention to Borussia Dortmund’s Christian Pulisic instead.

Aouar has five goals and four assists in 17 appearances for Lyon this season. He’s mostly playing in central midfield but has also spent some time on the left.

The youngster has also scored in both of his most recent u21 appearances for France. There were rumours that he might get a senior call-up before he picked up a knock immediately before the current international break.

A strong passer who contributes well defensively and counter-attacks impressively, Aouar certainly has the makings of a Ramsey style midfielder. We’ll see if Arsenal decide to move for him in the next couple of windows.