Here are your Arsenal morning headlines for Wednesday, 30 September.
Aulas comments frustrate Arsenal in Aouar chase
Olympique Lyonnais President Jean-Michel Aulas is making life difficult for Arsenal to secure the signing of Houssem Aouar during this window.
The French club have already turned down an initial bid from the Gunners, but with Aulas providing something of a running commentary on fees, comparable moves and transfer ultimatum in the media, it is making the deal more difficult to conclude.
Aulas made specific mention to Arsenal’s summer business last year, citing Nicolas Pepe’s £72million switch to the Emirates Stadium as a reason for keeping Aouar until they had received a comparable offer.
“If Pepe is worth the price that they paid for him, then Houssem, who is an international player, is worth more than €30m,” Aulas told Le Progres, translated by Get French Football News.
With just a matter of days remaining to settle on a fee and agree personal terms with one of Europe’s most highly sought-after young players, Arsenal have plenty of work to do to land the midfielder.
Unsung hero Lacazette facing harsh criticism
Arsenal’s opening three Premier League fixtures this season have yielded two convincing victories and a defeat by the champions, Liverpool.
In each of those three matches Alexandre Lacazette has found the back of the net, and doing so with such regularity was an area fans hoped the Frenchman could improve upon.
However, the No.9 is still facing unfair critics, owing to his inability to score two other chances he was presented with at Anfield on Monday night.
The discontented cries do not appreciate the work Lacazette conducted off the ball, leading Arsenal’s counter-attacks, diligently adhering to Mikel Arteta’s touchline guidance and tracking Fabinho’s running.
There is an argument that while the 29-year-old does not appear entirely committed to the club off the pitch, but on it he is a true professional.
Arsenal need another Ceballos, says Wright
Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright believes the club need another creative midfielder before the transfer window closes next week.
The man who scored 149 times for the Gunners feels an improved creative presence in Arsenal’s middle third would provide more opportunities for the team’s attackers.
Wright feels the club’s attacking setup is one of the best in the league, but service from behind has been lacking.
"You saw the chances that Ceballos made when he came on, that's what Arsenal need,” Wright told Premier League Productions.
"That's why it's imperative we get Houssem Aouar from Lyon. He's someone that can get on the ball and get the forwards going,” he said.
