Houssem Aouar shows off impressive skills for Lyon in 2018
Arsenal are planning to make a second bid for Houssem Aouar after Lyon rejected their initial £31.2million offer, according to Fabrizio Romano. The Gunners consider Aouar a top target for the summer transfer window and have held talks with the midfielder's agent ahead of an improved bid.
The Ligue 1 outfit have made it clear that they will not sell the 22-year-old for anything less than £54.5m following his impressive season at the Groupama Stadium.
This comes after Lyon sporting director Juninho Pernambucano revealed that they rejected the north Londoners' proposal, which included out-of-favour ace Matteo Guendouzi.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta understands that in order to meet Aouar's asking price he will have to trim his squad so that he can raise funds following the coronavirus pandemic's impact on the club's finances.
Lyon star Houssem Aouar has been targeted by Arsenal (Image: GETTY)
The Gunners have been trying to find a buyer for Guendouzi, who has fallen out of favour at the Emirates, with Valencia posing as a probable destination.
Lucas Torreira appears set to return to Italy with a number of Serie A sides expressing interest and Mohamed Elneny will also be allowed to leave after returning from a season-long loan with Besiktas.
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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is looking to trim his squad (Image: GETTY)
Arsenal would also be keen to move the likes of Sokratis Papastathopoulos, Shkodran Mustafi, Sead Kolasinac, Calum Chambers and Mesut Ozil.
Kolasinac has been linked with a move to Schalke whereas Rob Holding was close to a loan deal with Newcastle.
Leeds are keeping tabs on Chambers and are also said to be interested in Emiliano Martinez following his impressive performances between the sticks as he replaced the injured Bernd Leno.
Arsenal are also keeping tabs on Atletico Madrid star midfielder Thomas Partey but understand that they will still have to sell players to meet his £44.5m asking price.
Aouar enjoyed an incredible season at Lyon where he recorded a total of nine goals and 10 assists in 41 appearances across all competitions.
The France under-21 international also played a critical role in the French club's stunning Champions League campaign, which saw them making it to the semi-finals.
The midfielder, though, hasn't featured in Rudi Garcia's squad this season as he recently tested positive for coronavirus and missed Lyon's opener against Dijon last month.
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