Arsenal target Houssem Aouar is set to leave Lyon this summer.
According to reports, the 22-year old is determined to leave Lyon after an incredible display of performance in the Champions League last season that helped the team in reaching the semi-finals.
Manchester City, Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain are admirers of the midfielder but Lyon sporting director Juninho has confirmed that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has made contact with the club for the Frenchman.
Arsenal offered Matteo Guendouzi to Lyon in a potential player-plus-cash agreement for Aouar but the deal was quickly rejected.
‘I get on very well with Edu (Arsenal technical director), we spoke on the phone,’ Juninho told RMC Sport.
‘Aouar is really appreciated by Mikel Arteta.
‘Guendouzi was discussed during the call. He is a great player, but he is the wrong profile and we are not interested in that at all. We cut the conversation.’
Lyon are asking £55m for their 22-year old midfielder who’s tied into a contract until 2023.
Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand is full of praises for the Lyon midfielder after his awe-aspiring display in Lyon’s quarter-final victory over Manchester City.
‘He provides the creativity in this team,’ the ex-Manchester United and England defender said on BT Sport.
‘A kid so young but he’s relied upon so much. That shows the belief they’ve got in him and the belief he has in himself.
‘You see his imagination and the pictures he creates and sees on the pitch, the vision and the tactical awareness. The confidence is what exudes out of this boy.
‘He’s a fabulous player to watch. He drives past people and then it’s about decision-making and the timing of the pass. He has it all.
‘He reminds me of Samir Nasri at times. He’s someone who can be a top player at one of the top clubs in Europe.’
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