Report: Arsenal have offered Matteo Guendouzi + cash to Lyon for Houssem Aouar

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Arsenal has reportedly offered Matteo Guendouzi to Lyon in the hope of land Houssem Aouar this summer, according to a report from the Sun. 

The report, which cites French newspaper L’Equipe, claims that the Gunners have approached the French giants over a proposal which would see Guendouzi – plus some cash – go to Lyon in exchange for their classy French international.

However, Lyon has moved swiftly to reject that proposal. It is claimed the Ligue 1 outfit value Aouar around the £44m mark, meaning Arsenal’s offer must have fallen well short of that mark.

Mikel Arteta is desperate to get rid of Guendouzi this summer after falling out with him. The Frenchman, who apparently bragged about his £40k-a-week wages to Brighton players, is widely expected to move on.

Aouar is a long-time target for the Gunners. The French star impressed once again last night for Lyon as they saw off Man City in the Champions League, further underlining his massive potential.

This deal might work if Arsenal stick at it – TBR View

There’s no point in being disheartened here if you are Arsenal. Lyon are always going to play hardball over Aouar and will be looking to start a bidding war if they are to sell.

The Gunners’ decision to try and include Guendouzi is a not a ludicrous one, either. He’s still a talented player and although different o Aouar, Lyon would still get some use out of him.

Expect this one to rumble on for a while yet. It might just be a case of striking at the right moment for Arsenal in what could well turn into a game of cat and mouse.