Houssem Aouar has moved to dampen speculation about an imminent transfer to Arsenal, after rumours surfaced on social media.
The Lyon midfielder has been a long-time target of Mikel Arteta and was heavily linked with a move to the Emirates last summer.
Reports had suggested that the 23-year-old was Arteta’s top priority last summer, before ultimately switching to Thomas Partey from Atletico Madrid.
Arsenal remain in the market for a creative midfielder after Martin Odegaard returned to Real Madrid following his loan spell last term.
Aouar would fit the bill perfectly in that respect and scored eight goals and registered four assists during the last campaign.
Le10Sport reported earlier this week that the Gunners had launched a formal bid for the player and were hoping to secure his signature for between £17m and £21.4m.
Fans were sent into a frenzy on Friday after an Instagram story appeared to show his brother and agent in London.
That speculation was wide of the mark however, with Aouar confirming he was a close friend not his agent.
“Guys leave him. He is one of my best friends not my real brother,” he posted. “By the way… not my agent also."
Aouar has two years remaining on his Lyon contract and he was also forced to address rumours that he was absent from pre-season training in order to force an exit.
“Once again, unfortunately an umpteenth "fake news" story has been released about me on multiple social media accounts,” he said.
“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.”
Arsenal have completed their first signing of the window after Nuno Tavares’ transfer from Benfica was completed.
The left-back will serve as a deputy to Kieran Tierney and technical director Edu revealed they had beaten a host of clubs to his signature.
He told the club’s official site : “Nuno is a talented young player who was wanted by a number of clubs across Europe.
“He will provide strong back-up in the left-back position. We look forward to him growing and developing with us and becoming an important member of the first-team squad.”
Arteta added: “He is a young player with great promise who has developed very well with Benfica in recent seasons and has also shown his quality by being part of Portugal Under-21s.
“Nuno’s arrival will give the squad extra strength and options in defence, particularly with this energy on the left side of the pitch.”
