Arsenal Rumors: Gunners Nearing Transfer Deal For Lyon Star Houssem Aouar

Arsenal’s top transfer target, Lyon star Houssem Aouar, is now close to completing his move to the Premier League, a report said.

Aouar has captured the attention of big-spending clubs across Europe following his impressive run with Lyon. Arsenal identified the 22-year-old as its “no. 1 target” for the rest of the transfer window as Gunners boss Mikel Arteta plans to make him a key player in the 2020-21 Premier League season, ESPN earlier reported, citing unnamed sources.

Arteta’s side has now made its move for Aouar and agreed personal terms with the Ligue 1 star, according to transfer insider and Eleven Sports Italia correspondent Luca Fiorino. The football commentator tweeted that a concrete offer is yet to be made, but Arsenal is keen on bringing in Aouar with a €45 million ($53 million) bid in exchange for his services. International Business Times could not independently verify the journalist's information.

Lyon, on the other hand, is holding out for a slightly higher fee within the region of £44 million ($57 million) for Aouar.

Despite the evident interest from Arsenal, Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas suggested that the Gunners have yet to make an offer either due to a lack of funds or lack of interest in his “best player.”

“No I don't think so, no offer yet,” Aulas recently told Goal correspondent Chris Wheatley of the Aouar-Arsenal talks. “It seems that Arsenal don't want to, or can't invest the price for Houssem, who is our best player.”

Prior to this update, Arsenal had been extensively linked to Aouar over the course of the summer, with Arteta looking fresh options in the middle of the park. It is believed that the Spanish manager hopes to put the midfielder in a key role in the “4-3-3 formation” he wants to use this season.

Apart from Arsenal, Aouar was also on the radar of Cristiano Ronaldo for a move to Juventus as a credible alternative for exiting Barcelona star Luis Suarez.

Reports from Spain said Aouar “surprised” the five-time Ballon d’Or winner during their clashes with Lyon in the past. Ronaldo apparently wants Aouar to join him at Juventus as he believes the midfielder can play a significant role in the club, especially for the next Champions League.

Aside from Arsenal and Juventus, Manchester City was also linked to his name.