ARSENAL could sign Houssem Aouar after Lyon revealed they are ready to sell two players by Friday.
However, the French club’s president Jean-Michel Aulas explained they have competition from TWO other clubs for the midfielder.
Houssem Aouar could be set to join Arsenal this weekCredit: Icon Sport – Getty
Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas said there is plenty of competition for Aouar’s signatureCredit: Icon Sport – Getty
But Lyon’s chief also warned interested parties are not close to meeting the Ligue 1 team’s valuation of their 22-year-old star.
Speaking at a press conference to reveal Aouar’s potential replacement Lucas Paqueta’s arrival from AC Milan, Aulas said: “We know that three big clubs are interested in him.
“Two in the short-term, one in the long-term. Not much has happened.
“All the clubs can’t give us financially what Lyon wants.
“We could see ourselves lose two players.”
Lyon’s Memphis Depay may be the other star to depart with Barcelona interested in reuniting him with ex-Holland boss Ronald Koeman at the Nou Camp.
Aulas had already warned the Gunners to up their offer for Aouar – given they splashed a club-record £72million on Nicolas Pepe last year.
Mikel Arteta’s side had a £32m bid rejected but the club are thought to be readying a new and improved offer before the window slams shut on October 5.
ESPN claims the French side value the former France Under-21 star at £55m but are ready to accept around £41m with bonuses.
And the Gunners have been warned they have until Friday to wrap up a deal for the player – who is keen to come – or he will not be allowed to leave for London Colney.
Lyon’s technical director Juninho expects everything to become clear by the end of the week.
He added: “We know that things could happen between now and Monday. It is not ideal. We have to adapt.
“I think by Friday we will have all the answers.”
Houssem Aouar could be on his way to the Premier League with Arsenal favourites to land him
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
