Arsenal have launched a bid to sign long-term transfer target Houssem Aouar, according to reports.
The Gunners had two offers rejected for the Lyon midfielder last year as he ended up staying in France.
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But Le 10 Sport, per Daily Express claim Arsenal have made a new bid for Aouar, who could be available for just £17million this summer.
Arsenal failed to meet Lyon’s £54m asking price in the past, but the report says he could leave for a third of that fee.
With Martin Odegaard heading back to Real Madrid after a successful loan spell at the Emirates, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta will be on the lookout for a creative midfielder.
The Gunners have also been linked with a move for Leicester’s James Maddison, however, the Foxes would likely demand a huge fee for their playmaker.
Granit Xhaka is believed to be close to joining Jose Mourinho’s Roma, meaning there could be another midfield void to fill at Arsenal.
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Aouar scored seven goals and registered three assists in 30 Ligue 1 appearances as Lyon finished fourth last season.
He has two years left to run on his contract, but Lyon could offload their star man having failed to qualify for the Champions League.
Atletico Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are monitoring Aouar’s situation and would be able to offer him something Arsenal can’t – Champions League football – after the Gunners finished eighth in the Premier League last term.
