Zinedine Zidane says he can see Houssem Aouar playing for Real Madrid in the future, but says the club will not be making a move for him during this transfer window.
The Lyon midfielder has been linked with a string of top European clubs, with Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal all interested in his signature.
Real Madrid looked like they might be able to beat the competition to his signing after Zidane contacted his fellow Frenchman over a move and Aouar was reportedly very keen on the switch.
However, the Bernabeu boss has since ruled out a big for the 22-year-old, at least for this transfer window.
‘I don’t know what information you have,’ Zidane said, via Spanish publication Marca.
‘He is a great player, without a doubt, I know, and maybe one day he will be able to play for Madrid, but now there is this squad and we are going to start with this.’
A similar message came out of Paris Saint-Germain, with sporting director Leonardo saying: ‘Aouar it’s a dream but it may not be the right time.’
Juventus have reportedly been put off by the £50m asking price, which leaves Arsenal in the driving seat as they look to snap up the midfielder.
The Gunners have already seen a £32m bid turned down and they will need to significantly improve that to get their man, but if they do, the path now appears clear for them to make the signing.
