Arsenal make £32 million bid for Aouar

Arsenal have made a £32 million bid for Houssem Aouar, according to French media outlet RMC Sport.

The Gunners are keen on rebuilding their midfield this summer. Houssem Aouar of Lyon and Thomas Partey of Atletico Madrid are their top targets. Aouar is open to moving to North London and the Gunners will now have to agree a fee for the 22 year old with Lyon. 

The French side are said to want north of £55 million for their academy graduate but are in need of funds and it has been reported that a deal could be done for less. Lyon’s president Jean-Michel Aulas is a tough negotiator and Arsenal will have to satisfy his demands to get this deal over the line. 

The North London side are currently in talks with Lyon as they look to find an agreement, according to Saber Desfarges of French media outlet Telefoot Chaine. 

As the Gunners attempt to find an agreement for one of their top targets in central midfield, they are also looking to offload Lucas Torreira. Atletico Madrid are very interested in the Uruguay international but want to sign him on loan with an option to make the deal permanent next summer. Arsenal want the loan to include an obligation to make the transfer permanent next year. 

Mikel Arteta’s side would like to include Torreira in a deal to sign Thomas Partey but the Rojiblancos have maintained that they will not allow the Ghanaian midfielder to leave the club unless his £45 million release clause is triggered.