New Aouar fee revealed after Lyon chief Aulas rejects first Arsenal bid

Lyon are holding out for around double the amount of Arsenal’s initial offer for Houssem Aouar, according to reports.

Aouar is one of Arsenal’s top targets as they look to strengthen their midfield before the transfer window closes.

The 22-year-old has shone since breaking into Lyon’s first team in 2017. Last season, he provided nine goals and 10 assists.

Recent reports suggested they had firmed up their interest and made a concrete move to sign the player. However, Lyon rejected their €35m bid.

That would have made Aouar cheaper than their other midfield target, Thomas Partey. But it appears the Frenchman will actually cost more than the Atletico star.

According to Eurosport France, Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas believes Aouar is worth €60m. That’s a lot higher than the price tag of around €45m that had previously been suggested.

The good news for Arsenal is that Aouar is keen to make the move to the Emirates Stadium. After neither Juventus nor Manchester City followed up their interest, Arsenal remained the only concrete proposal on offer.

Arsenal need sales to afford Aouar

Therefore, he is willing to sign up to become part of Mikel Arteta’s midfield revamp. In fact, he has an agreement in principle over personal terms. But first, Arsenal will probably need to raise funds from player sales.

Such a stance was suggested even before it became clear how much Lyon were asking for Aouar. And while the Gunners have received £20m from selling Emiliano Martinez to Aston Villa, they will need to go further.

Aulas continues to insist that Lyon will not let their star player leave on the cheap.

“For Houssem Arsenal is too far from his value,” he said recently. “We are counting on him to play a great match in Lorient and lead Lyon in the Champions League next year.”

 

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