Houssem Aouar's Transfer To Arsenal Thrown Into Serious Doubt

Houssam Aouar's potential move to Arsenal is looking less likely, with Lyon's president claiming the Premier League side won't match their value of the player.

The French midfielder made a huge impact as Lyon surprised everyone to reach the semi-final of the Champions League last season, beating Juventus and Manchester City before losing to Bayern Munich.

He's been linked with a move away from Lyon since, with Arsenal reportedly interested in signing the 22-year-old and favourites to sign him.

However it looks like the move is on the rocks. The Ligue 1 side's president Jean-Michel Aulas has claimed the Premier League team won't pay the £44 million asking price.

"No I don't think so, no offer yet," Aulas told Goal when asked if Aouar was going to leave the club.

"It seems that Arsenal don't want to, or can't invest the price for Houssem, who is our best player."

Aouar has impressed for Lyon. Image: PA Images

Speaking after their loss to Bayern, Lyon sporting director, and the club's former midfield free-kick genius, Juninho told reporters players would have to leave the club, saying, "There will be departures, but I am not worried. When you have players who play very well in a competition like this, like Moussa and Houssem."

Earlier this month he followed that up by adding, "Houssem Aouar is really well liked by [Mikel] Arteta."

Arteta is clearly desperate to add the midfielder to his team but the Gunners are reportedly only willing to offer up to £36 million for the 22-year-old.

The north London side have previously offered Matteo Guendouzi in a swap for the player who was born in Lyon, but that offer wasn't accepted.

As well as Aouar, Artera's side have also been linked with a move for Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Partey, as the Gunners attempt to get back into the top four.

So far this summer they have added Willian and Gabriel to their side, whilst Pablo Mari and Cedric Soares have become permanent additions, having been on loan at the Emirates last season, and William Saliba has made his debut, having remained on loan at St Etienne last year.

Will Arsenal get their man?

Topics: Football News, Houssem Aouar, Transfer stories, Ligue 1, Transfer rumours, Premier League, Arsenal, Transfer news, Lyon, France, Transfer reports

Ryan Sidle

Ryan is a writer for SPORTbible. He covers all sport from football, formula one, cricket, rugby, tennis, athletics, mma and wrestling. He obviously hates YOUR football team and has no interest in synchronised swimming.

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