Houssem Aouar's future has taken a fresh twist, with Arsenal reportedly facing more competition for his signature.
The Lyon midfielder has been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium for much of the summer, but with transfer deadline day fast approaching, time is running out for the Gunners to complete a deal.
Earlier in the week, Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas confirmed that two clubs - in addition to Arsenal - were interested in the 22-year-old.
"We know that three big clubs are interested in him. Two in the short-term, one in the long-term," he said at a press conference. "Not much has happened.
"All the clubs can’t give us financially what Lyon wants."
Whilst many assumed Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain were the two unamed clubs, it would appear that Real Madrid have entered the race and could take advantage of the fact that Arsenal yet to make an offer Lyon view as acceptable for Aouar.
It's being reported that Los Blancos boss Zinedine Zidane has held talks with the Frenchman.
According to L'Equipe, as reported by Get French Football News, Zidane has spoken to Aouar recently and that the player would be motivated by a move to the Spanish giants.
Interestingly, Aouar idolised the France and Real Madrid playmaker growing up.
"I think Zidane was the player who made me love football because of his way of playing and his behaviour," he told Players' Tribune.
Aouar's verdict on Zidane could be bad news for Arsenal as the 22-year-old may very well favour a move to Real Madrid in order to play under his idol
With that said, Zidane appears to have ruled out a move for Aouar this summer.
"I have no doubts he's a great player, maybe one day he could play for Real Madrid, but right now we have this squad and my focus is on the players I have now," he said.
