Arsenal could finally sign Houssem Aouar this summer - but on one condition.
The midfielder is once again on the Gunners' radar, less than 12 months after being constantly linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium only for a deal to not materialise, as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his first-team squad.
Adding some creativity is one of the Spaniard's main priorities this summer and with Martin Odegaard set to stay at Real Madrid, it would appear that attentions have turned to Aouar once again.
With some reports claiming that the 23-year-old could be available for just £20million, Arsenal technical director Edu can pull off a £30m masterstroke as Lyon wanted £55m last summer.
However, whilst ESPN claim the Gunners are considering making an offer for Aouar in the coming weeks, they also state that players must be moved on before sealing any deal for the Frenchman.
Luckily with Granit Xhaka and Lucas Torreira both likely to depart the Emirates this summer, the chances of Aouar arriving in north London may have received a boost.
Reports of the Gunners reigniting their interest in Aouar should not come as much of a surprise.
This is because in the January window, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealed that Arsenal remained 'convinced' Aouar was still the right man to solve their creativity issues.
Furthermore, it was claimed that Arteta was convinced that Aouar would be the perfect addition to the Gunners' midfield.
"They are still looking for this kind of player, they were also trying for Szoboszlai who then joined Leipzig, but they were trying really for Dominik Szoboszlai," Romano said on the Feather on Football podcast.
"And also Aouar has always been the first target for Arsenal. They love him and they are convinced he would be perfect in their midfield.
"The problem is that Lyon are asking for €60million (£53.3m) they are having an amazing season, they want to be back in the Champions League, so at the moment with the president of Lyon it’s really hard to negotiate in January for this kind of player."
Amid claims that Lyon have now significantly dropped their asking price for Aouar, it seems this summer will be the best chance for Arsenal to get a deal done.
