Here are your Arsenal morning headlines for Thursday, 10 September.
Pursuit of Aouar intensifies
Many of Lyon’s players caught the eye as they made an unexpected run to the Champions League semi-finals last season. The French underdogs stunned Manchester City to beat the tournament favourites 3-1 in the quarter-final.
Perhaps the most impressive of Lyon’s stars was Houssem Aouar. Arsenal are hoping to sign the 22-year-old, and while talks are progressing the two clubs are a long way apart on their valuations at present.
According to ESPN, the Gunners bid of £31.2million has been flatly rejected as Lyon are looking for £54.5m for a player who has three years remaining on his contract.
And the offer of a current Arsenal midfielder in exchange for Aouar fell on deaf ears too.
Swap deal with PSG on the cards?
While a swap deal with Lyon is off the table, the Gunners might be able to complete one with a different French club.
Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly keen to take Matteo Guendouzi back to the club where he played youth team football, and they are prepared to include Julian Draxler in the deal.
According to L’Equipe, Arsenal were hoping to get £30m for Guendouzi, but have lowered their valuation as they look to part ways with the player.
Yet if his social media posts are any indication, the 21-year-old is happy where he is. "Now let’s go back to work @Arsenal,” he wrote.
You can read the full story here.
Next moves for Arsenal decided
While Arsenal have secured deals for five players this summer, three of them were with the club last season anyway.
Pablo Mari and Cedric Soares made their temporary moves permanent, while Dani Ceballos has signed on loan for a second season from Real Madrid.
That leaves Willian and Gabriel Magalhaes as the only injections of fresh blood into Mikel Arteta’s squad.
Thomas Partey of Atletico Madrid remains a target, alongside Aouar, while signing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to a new contract remains a priority. Arsenal’s summer activity is far from over.
