Lyon sporting director has confirmed to RMC Sport during their live Champions League coverage last night, that reported Arsenal target Houssem Aouar could leave his side this summer.
Arsenal have been said to be interested in the French midfielder, with L’Equipe claiming four days ago that Mikel Arteta has already made one bid for him this summer.
Arsenal’s initial offer for Aouar was rejected, but with the French side exiting the Champions League last night, it could be that the Gunners have more luck if they go back in for him.
Lyon won’t be playing European football next season, and Juninho admitted that Aouar and Moussa Dembele could well leave his side this summer, after they lost 3-0 to Bayern Munich in the Champions League semi-final.
“We are all sad, it is not easy. But we are going out with our heads held high, I am proud of the players the staff,” Juninho said, with the comments relayed by Get French Football.
“There will be departures, but I am not worried. When you have players who play very well in a competition like this, like Moussa (Dembélé) and Houssem (Aouar).”
Arsenal’s initial bid for Aouar involved a swap for Matteo Guendouzi, but it was quickly swatted away by Lyon, L’Equipe claimed.
Reports in RMC from two months ago have suggested that Lyon want £44.5 million for the 22-year-old, which could make any deal difficult for Arsenal to complete.
The Gunners only have a limited budget to spend this summer, and any incoming additions are likely to have to be supplemented by sales.
Arsenal are on the look out for a central midfielder though, and they will surely be encouraged by Juninho’s comments.
Arsenal are likely to have to pick and choose between signing Aouar or Thomas Partey this summer, as bringing in both will surely be too expensive.
Aouar would offer Arsenal more composure and creativity, but Partey has the edge defensively out of the pair.
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