Arsenal reportedly ‘agreed terms’ with Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar on a long-term contract two weeks ago.
Mikel Arteta is said to be ‘in love’ with the creative midfielder, and Aouar has been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates this summer having impressed in the Champions League.
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Italian journalist Nicolo Schira has revealed that the 22-year-old agreed personal terms on a five-year deal with the Gunners two weeks ago, but claims Arteta’s side are yet to reach an agreement with Lyon.
#Arsenal’s priority is still Houssem #Aouar. Coach #Arteta is keen to sign him to provide extra creativity in midfield. Personal terms agreed by 2 weeks ago for a contract until 2025, but #Gunners have not reached an agreement with #OlympiqueLyon yet. #transfers #AFC
— Nicolò Schira (@NicoSchira) September 17, 2020
The Daily Star claims the player himself is ‘desperate’ to get the deal over the line.
Arsenal have already brought in Willian and Gabriel, who were both brilliant on their debuts in the Premier League opener against Fulham.
But Schira says Arteta is keen to land Aouar to add ‘extra creativity in midfield’.
An initial £31.2m bid was reportedly turned down by the French club, who have made it clear that they’re unwilling to sell the player for less than £54.5m.
Which means Arsenal will likely have to include a player as part of the deal or raise funds through sales elsewhere to get the deal over the line.
