Tottenham have entered the race to sign Houssem Aouar, with Lyon reportedly mulling over a swap deal including Tanguy Ndombele.
Aouar has been a long-term target for north London rivals Arsenal and it is believed Mikel Arteta still holds an interest in the player.
The Gunners are desperate to add an attacking midfielder after Martin Odegaard returned to Real Madrid following his loan spell last term.
Reports in France have previously suggested that Arsenal lodged an opening bid for Aouar, who Lyon value at around €25million.
And while that may be premature, there is understood to be an interest, although it would likely depend on player exits.
Manchester United, Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain have also been touted as potential destinations for a player with two years remaining on his current contract.
However, ESPN claim that Spurs have formalised their interest in the Frenchman, offering an audacious swap deal which would see Ndombele go the other way.
It’s only two years since Spurs shelled out more than £50m to sign Ndombele, but he could be sacrificed in an attempt to bring Aouar to the club.
The report adds that Lyon are yet to respond to the offer, but there is a feeling they are looking to raise cash, making a swap deal unlikely.
Lyon, like many clubs in Ligue 1 have been hit hard financially by both Covid-19 and the turbulent negotiations regarding TV rights.
That could force them into a bargain sale, 12 months after placing a €60m valuation on him and rejecting a bid of €35m from Arsenal.
Meanwhile, new Tottenham boss Nuno Espirito Santo has spoken at length for the first time since his appointment, admitting that talks have taken place with director of football Fabio Paratici about potential transfer moves.
“We’ve been talking - not only me and Fabio. Steve [Hitchen] also,” Nuno explained in his first press conference. “We are aware there's a lot of work to be done, but at the same time it’s hard work because to improve our squad, the quality we have, the talent we have, is not easy.
"We have to find the right players who can help us, but it’s been good work and on a daily basis each moment we have the chance to speak, to share opinions - me, Fabio, Steve.
“They do their job, look at the market. I do my job on the training ground and we get together ideas and try to find the best decisions. But like I say, to improve our squad is not easy.”
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