LYON STAR WANTS TO SEAL ARSENAL DEAL
Arsenal are reportedly preparing an improved offer for Houssem Aouar, with the player himself ready to join the club.
The Frenchman has emerged as one of two midfield targets for Mikel Arteta, alongside Atletico Madrid enforcer Thomas Partey.
The Express reports that the Gunners have already lodged a player-plus-cash offer for Aouar, which includes Matteo Guendouzi.
However, Lyon were not interested in that proposal, leaving Arsenal to reconsider their approach over a potential deal.
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Aouar was outstanding as Lyon knocked Juventus and Manchester City out in the Champions League knockout stage.
Arteta has been aware of the midfielder’s quality since his days as City assistant boss, when he congratulated the player on his performance after a 2-2 draw in November 2018.
According to Fabrizio Romano, he is set to return with another offer for the player – if he can offload three players first.
“Obviously the club that is working to sign Aouar is Arsenal,” Romano said on the Here We Go podcast.
“We have to say that Arsenal are convinced that if they could sell some players, and they have many in [Sead] Kolasinac, Sokratis [Papastathopoulos] and [Lucas] Torreira, many players to sell or loan out in the last two weeks, they can try again for Aouar.
“Lyon are asking for €60million, so it’s complicated but the player would be ready to join the Premier League, would be ready to join Arsenal.
“The player would like to come to the Premier League and to join Arsenal but for now there are no negotiations.
“In July they offered Guendouzi as part of the deal and they didn’t find an agreement.
“Now it’s up to Arsenal if they sell players, I am convinced [they will bid again].”
Torreira has already agreed personal terms with Atletico ahead of a potential switch.
Bayer Leverkusen are said to be leading the way for Kolasinac, while Sokratis has been linked with a move to Italy.
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