Tottenham Hotspur must beat their arch-rivals to the signature of Houssem Aouar this summer...

What's the word?

French journalist Julien Laurens, who has appeared on ESPN and BT Sport, has claimed that Spurs have entered the race to sign the long-time Arsenal target.

He tweeted: "Being told that Tottenham have now also entered the race for Houssem Aouar. Arsenal are still keen on the Lyon playmaker but Spurs are in the conversation too now."

Back in September 2020, the Gunners had a bid rejected by Lyon for their star midfielder, as per The Guardian, and evidently they have retained their interest in him this transfer window.

Get it done!

If the Lilywhites can beat their arch-rivals to the 23-year-old, then sporting director Fabio Paratici deserves a lot of praise as he'll be signing someone capable of getting the club rocking again.

Spurs suffered one of their poorest seasons in recent times, slipping down to seventh in the table and missing out on a place in either the Champions or Europa League for the first time in over a decade.

Several midfield options also appear to be on the chopping block, including Moussa Sissoko and Harry Winks, so there could certainly be a spot for Aouar to fill ahead of next season.

Valued at €30m (£26m), the French dynamo has been a regular source of goals and creativity from a deeper role, having provided 24 goals and 25 assists since the start of the 2018/19 campaign.

The impressive numbers don't stop there as, throughout his entire career, Aouar has averaged 2.1 dribbles, 1.8 shots, 1.4 tackles and 1.2 key passes per game, via WhoScored.

It's no wonder the Lyon maestro has been compared to Andres Iniesta - a player capable of pulling the strings from the no.8 role - as well as being dubbed "an exceptional talent" and lauded for his "special" qualities.

"I’ve often likened him to Andres Iniesta, which is obviously a big shout because, for me, he is one of the greatest players of all-time," claimed Get French Football News journalist Adam White to Football FanCast.

"I don’t necessarily mean in quality but in style. He has silky movement and drifts in midfield to pick passes. At his best, he is absolutely brilliant to watch and he can play anywhere in midfield. He’s great on the ball and technically outstanding. His vision is brilliant. He’s a huge talent."

On the above evidence, Aouar could be a mouthwatering prospect in Spurs' current engine room and as such, he could be the sort of signing to get fans excited after a dismal and negative 12 to 18 months.

Paratici must do all he can to secure the 5 foot 9 gem.

AND in other news, Paratici could secure Spurs' best signing since Son with £34m-rated "absolute beast"...