Arsenal will apparently need to up their bid if they are to sign Houssem Aouar this summer, but they do have a chance, according to L’Equipe.
The French paper claims that Arsenal are currently at the front of the queue to sign Aouar, as they are the first side to submit an offer for the talented midfielder.
Aouar is set to leave Lyon this summer, after they were knocked out of the Champions League at the semi-final stage.
Arsenal’s current offer involved cash and Matteo Guendouzi, but Lyon are not thought to be inclined to accept it.
Instead, L’Equipe say that Arsenal will need to raise their bid to around £54 million to seal a deal for the talented midfielder.
Aouar has recently raised his profile due to Lyon’s progress in the Champions League.
The Guardian report how he was labelled a ‘maestro’ in France after his recent display against Manchester City, with Kevin de Bruyne telling the Independent that the 22-year-old managed to catch his eye too.
Arsenal have been heavily linked with Thomas Partey throughout the summer, but Aouar would offer a different kind of midfielder to Arteta.
The Frenchman is wonderfully gifted in possession, and he looks to have the ability to form an excellent partnership with the rejuvenated Granit Xhaka if he is brought to the Emirates Stadium this summer.
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