There doesn’t seem to be anything concrete in Tottenham Hotspur’s links to Houssem Aouar other than a vague interest, according to a report.

Lyon's forward Houssem Aouar celebrates after scoring a goal from the penalty-kick during the French L1 football match between Olympique Lyonnais (OL) and AS Monaco at the Groupama stadium in Decines-Charpieu, near Lyon, south-eastern France, on October 25, 2020. (Photo by PHILIPPE DESMAZES / AFP)
Lyon’s forward Houssem Aouar celebrates after scoring a goal from the penalty kick during the French L1 football match between Olympique Lyonnais (OL) and AS Monaco at the Groupama stadium in Decines-Charpieu, near Lyon, south-eastern France, on October 25, 2020. (Photo by PHILIPPE DESMAZES / AFP)

On Friday night, the French media were once again linking Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur to Houssem Aouar. This time it was Julien Maynard of Telefoot claiming the two clubs had made enquiries this summer, but neither had made an official bid just yet.

Maynard did deny that there was any link between moves for Aouar and Tanguy Ndombele. A rumour had suggested the two could be involved in a swap deal, but that’s not on the cards.

But more than that, English sources are now shooting down any serious links between Spurs and Aouar at all. Football.London’s Alasdair Gold reports that at this moment in time, there doesn’t appear to be anything concrete in the stories.

For the time being at least, Aouar is just a player Spurs have looked at in the past, nothing more.

This obviously only strengthens Arsenal’s chances of landing the midfielder, if they want him. ESPN reported this week that Arsenal and Spurs were leading the race, so if Spurs aren’t seriously involved, then the Gunners don’t have any real competition.

Of course, it also raises the possibility that Arsenal’s interest is being overblown in France as well. All we can say for now is that Mikel Arteta’s side look to have a free run at the player.