Arsenal have reportedly made a breakthrough in talks with Houssem Aouar.
Telefoot Chaine, via Get French Football News, claim that the Lyon midfielder has agreed terms with the Gunners – although he would reportedly prefer a move to Juventus or Barcelona.
The Gunners are now set to hold further talks with Lyon over a transfer for the player.
It has led fans to speculate that the Gunners may be tying up a deal for Aouar before activating major target Thomas Partey’s release clause.
![[FILE] Liverpool’s Egyptian midfielder Mohamed Salah (L) runs with the ball as Arsenal’s Brazilian defender Gabriel closes in during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium in London. (Photo by Catherine Ivill / POOL / AFP)](https://www.afriupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/000_97B779-scaled-e1703231851386-120x86.jpg "Liverpool host Arsenal in battle for Premier League Christmas No. 1 3")
The Gunners now face the task of negotiating with Lyon over a deal for Aouar.
Yet Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas doubts whether Arsenal have the funds needed to sign the player.
Aulas is said to want £54million for the France Under-21 international, who was a key part of Lyon’s side last season.
Speaking to Le Progres, Aulas said that the Gunners were feeling the pinch of the coronavirus like other clubs are.
He said: “Financially, Arsenal are like everyone else.
“And Houssem could say to himself that the best thing would be to stay with us.
“From the start, I said that we would not lose the three players announced every day in the newspapers.”
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