ARSENAL have been warned to stump up the cash for Houssem Aouar after spending a club-record £72million on Nicolas Pepe last summer.
The Gunners remain desperate to bring in the French playmaker, who is keen to make the move to the Emirates before the window closes on Monday.
Arsenal are continuing to chase Lyon star Houssem AouarCredit: Getty Images – Getty
The French side are holding out for a bigger fee after seeing the Gunners break the bank for Nicolas Pepe Credit: Getty Images – Getty
Arsenal have already had a £32m bid rejected by Lyon for Aouar, with the North Londoners ready to make an improved offer imminently.
The French club’s president Jean-Michel Aulas has previously revealed the two clubs remain far apart in their valuations of the 22-year-old.
He claims Aouar is worth more than what Arsenal are prepared to pay and pointed out how much the Gunners shelled out for Pepe last year.
As reported by Get French Football, Aulas told Le Progres: “If Pepe is worth the price that they paid for him, then Houssem, who is an international player, is worth more than €30m.”
Pepe, 25, became Arsenal’s record-signing after sealing a £72m move from Lille in summer 2019 but has struggled with fitness and form.
The winger, who is yet to start in the Premier League this season, scored just five Prem goals in 31 appearances last term.
Lyon meanwhile have warned Arsenal they have until Friday to wrap up a deal to sign Aouar, or they will not be letting him go.
ESPN claim the French side value the former France under-21 star at £55m but are ready to accept around £41m with bonuses.
Arsenal are also thought to still be in the hunt for Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Partey.
The 27-year-old is said to be interested in a move to the Premier League – but his huge £45m release clause has made Aouar the preferred choice.
The Gunners know they have to offload a number of players if they are to afford either man and SunSport has revealed the eleven flops that could be on the chopping block.
Houssem Aouar could be on his way to the Premier League with Arsenal favourites to land him
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
