Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang admitted he “cannot hide” his true feelings regarding Houssem Aouar as he urged Arsenal to snap up the Lyon playmaker.
Aouar has emerged as one of Arsenal’s top summer targets but the Gunners saw a £35million bid rejected last week.
They are expected to make a second approach in a bid to land Aouar, who has been a star performer for Lyon in recent seasons.
And captain Aubameyang, who recently committed his future to the club with a long-term deal, could not help but plea to the Arsenal board to make a move for Aouar happen.
Asked if he would like the club to sign Aouar, Aubameyang told Canal+: “Of course I am in favour [of signing him].
“He would add quality. Let’s see what happens.
“I cannot hide that, even if he is with Lyon.”
Aouar, however, remained tight-lipped over speculation and insisted it cannot be used an excuse for a below-par start to Lyon’s season.
“6 points in 5 matches is not sufficient,” he told Canal+.
“I don’t know why it’s like this. We need to improve vs compact teams.
“The transfer window isn’t disturbing the team at all.
“It is more on the pitch that we have to improve & not hide behind things like that.
“We had the ambition to get the three points. We came across a very compact block. As very often, it is difficult to find the loophole against this kind of team.
“This is what must be worked on and changed as quickly as possible. The start of the season is not up to what Lyon should do.”
Whilst Aouar was tight-lipped on his future, president Jean-Michel Aulas stated this weekend Arsenal are not close to meeting their valuation, which is believed to be £44million.
“Arsenal are too far away from Houssem’s value,” Aulas said.
“We are counting on him to put in a great display away to Lorient and lead Olympique Lyonnais into the Champions League next year.”
