Arsenal set to make second Houssem Aouar bid

According to the highly respected Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal are preparing a second offer for Lyon’s Houssem Aouar after having their initial offer of Guendouzi + £32m rejected. Arsenal are also in talks with the 22 year-olds agent ahead of making their improved offer to the club.

Lyon are said to have made it clear that they are unwilling to let the highly rated midfielder leave for a fee less than £54.5m, or in fact accept any player as part of a swap deal between the clubs.

Arsenal will face competition from clubs such as Manchester City and Juventus for the frenchman, but Lyon’s sporting director Juninho has previously spoke out about Mikel Arteta’s admiration for Houssem Aouar and his phone call with Edu.

He said: “I get on very well with Edu [Gaspar, Arsenal technical director], we spoke on the phone. Aouar is really appreciated by Mikel Arteta.”

“Guendouzi was discussed during the call, he is a great player, but he is the wrong profile. We aren’t interested in that at all, we cut the conversation.” Juninho said.