Liverpool are lining up the arrival of Houssem Aouar to replace Gini Wijnaldum, according to fresh reports.
The Reds are looking increasingly likely to lose the Dutchman on a free transfer when his contract expires at the end of the season and could target Lyon's chief creator to fill the void.
The French club have previously confirmed that they've lost almost £96million in income this season and with the Ligue 1 side also failing to qualify for the Champions League in 2021/22, Liverpool may be able to striker an affordable deal in the summer.
The 22-year-old was valued at around £55million by Lyon in the summer of 2020 but could to be available for significantly less than that figure in the upcoming summer transfer window.
Arsenal, of course, have been chasing Aouar for a number of windows and they've taken a keen interest in his comments surrounding his own future.
Speaking most recently, in October 2020 Aouar said he was happy to say at Lyon amid interest from the Gunners.
"I spoke a lot with [Lyon sporting director] Juninho," Aouar told French outlet Telefoot.
"He shows me his confidence every day: it’s a real pleasure to work with him. ‘To stay here for another season, or more, with him, it’s a great pride."
"I’m happy to stay in Lyon. It’s my city, my club: it’s a great pride to represent OL.
"It wasn’t necessarily Arsenal or nothing else, even though at the end it was basically that. "I had to make a decision and I am happy to stay here."
More recently, Memphis Depay offered an update on his own future, along with his teammates, stating both players want to join "one of the top three clubs in the world".
Speaking to Canal+, Depay said: "We know we play for a very big club but we want to go to one of the top three clubs in the world.
"Then you will see Houssem, he will get ten times better. For me, it’s the same. It would mean everything to me to win the Ligue 1 title with Houssem Aouar, the team and the president."
