Reported Arsenal target Houssem Aouar has refuted claims that he is attempting to force through a move away from Lyon this summer.
The Frenchman was reportedly absent from pre-season training with the Ligue 1 outfit, with Get French Football News suggesting that he was attempting to achieve a transfer.
That news sent Arsenal fans into meltdown with the midfielder thought to be a long-term target of the Gunners.
However, Aouar has now offered his story behind the absence, stating that he was instead ill so was forced to miss Lyon’s preparations.
Taking to social media with a statement, the 23-year-old said: “Once again, unfortunately an umpteenth "fake news" story has been released about me on multiple social media accounts.
“I'm not in the habit of responding to what is said about me...[but I was] sick, I was hospitalised over the weekend. Know that I am a lot better and that I am ready for the future!
“Thank you to those who have always supported me, in the good times as in the less good times. Allez Lyon.”
Aouar has been strongly linked with Arsenal in the past due to a series of impressive performances in Ligue 1.
Since his debut for Lyon, he has scored 32 goals in 170 appearances and has also provided a further 32 assists.
football.london understands that Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is aiming to sign a creative midfielder this summer, with the club having also been linked with Leicester City’s James Maddison.
In the short-term at least, that vacancy does not look like being filled by Aouar, who still has two years left to run on his current Lyon contract at the Groupama Stadium.
