Arsenal’s reported quest to sign Moussa Dembele from Lyon has taken a blow.
Arsenal interest
The Telegraph reported in May that Arsenal are interested in signing former Celtic striker Dembele in the summer transfer window.
The Frenchman spent the second half of last season on loan at Atletico Madrid from Lyon.
The Gunners are reportedly considering a bid for the 24-year-old striker.
Arsenal left-back Kieran Tierney knows Dembele well, having played with the striker at Celtic.
In fact, the Scotland international described the 24-year-old as “brilliant” in The Glasgow Evening Times in April 2018.
Blow for Arsenal
However, it seems that Arsenal have suffered a blow in their reported pursuit of Dembele.
FootMercato in France are now reporting that Atletico and Lyon are in talks over a second loan deal for the former Celtic star.
The La Liga champions will have the option to make the deal permanent for €30 million (£25.75m) next summer.
Perhaps, more importantly, the 24-year-old actually wants to return to Atletico.
Dembele enjoyed working with Atletico head coach Diego Simeone, although his spell in the Spanish capital was affected by injuries.
The 24-year-old Frenchman played just 95 minutes in La Liga and 45 minutes in the Champions League for Atletico.
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