Despite completing deals for ex-Chelsea man Willian, Lille defender Gabriel Magalhaes and taking Dani Ceballos on loan from Real Madrid, it appears Mikel Arteta is not done in the transfer market as he is keen on signing highly-rated Lyon star Houssem Aouar to bolster his midfield.
Since graduating from the Olympique Lyon academy, Aouar has become one of the hottest talents in world football, as he had a sensational season for the French-based club last year.
The France international was vital in Lyon’s surge to the Champions League semi-finals last season, eliminating European powerhouse Juventus and Manchester City.
The 22-year-old has caught the eyes of a plethora of clubs across Europe, with Manchester City and Arsenal front-runners to his signature.
Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas even came out to reveal, earlier this month, that the Arsenal might be the destination of the French star.
He stated that the Gunners head coach Mikel Arteta along with the club’s board has been impressed by Aouar’s performances, and are aiming to take the Frenchman to the Emirates.
Juninho said: “Houssem Aouar is really well liked by [Mikel] Arteta.”
It is reported that Olympique Lyon has set a price tag in the region of £44 million ($57m) for Houssem Aouar, however, the club’s president, Jean-Michel Aulas, has now come out to reveal that Arsenal is unlikely to match that fee in the coming weeks.
Aulas claims that Arsenal are reluctant to meet the club’s price tag for Aouar and the deal might fall through.
Speaking to reporter Chris Wheatley, Lyon President, Jean-Michel Aulas, said: “No I don’t think so, no offer yet.
“It seems that Arsenal don’t want to, or can’t invest the price for Houssem, who is our best player.”
This news comes as a huge blow for the Arsenal supporters who had dreamed of seeing the French man star in their midfield with his sublime passing and exquisite footballing intelligence.
Since making his first-team debut for Lyon in the 2016/17 Ligue 1 campaign, Houssem Aouar has been directly involved in 31 goals for the French outfit in the league alone, as he has scored 15 goals and registered 16 assists in 99 games.
