Arsenal’s offer of Matteo Guendouzi + cash for Lyon’s Houssem Aouar rejected

Arsenal offered Matteo Guendouzi plus cash for Lyon’s Houssem Aouar but the French club rejected this proposal, according to L’Equipe via Get French Football News.

The Gunners are keen on rebuilding their midfield this summer and are particularly focussed on adding creativity to the squad. Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta is a big admirer of Aouar and it is believed that technical director Edu Gaspar got in touch with Lyon’s top brass and made an offer for the player. 

The French club rejected the offer and made it clear that they would prefer a cash only offer for the 22 year old. They are not interested in adding another midfielder to their squad even if Aouar leaves the club this summer and so are not interested in signing Matteo Guendouzi. 

Manchester City are believed to have a long standing interest in the Lyon academy graduate but are yet to make contact with the French side to discuss a potential transfer. Arsenal are the only club to have made an offer for the player so far.

Aouar and Lyon will take on the Citizens in the Champions League later today for a place in the semi finals of Europe’s premier competition. Lyon expect to sell the player this summer and are reported to want £54 million for his services although they know the coronavirus has affected their chances of getting that kind of fee for the 22 year old.