Report: Arsenal make Houssem Aouar number one target but must sell before reaching £55.5m asking price

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Houssem Aouar is now Arsenal’s number one target for the remainder of the summer transfer market, but are not currently in a position to pay Lyon’s €60 million (£55.5m) asking price.

That is according to a report from ESPN, who claim that the Frenchman is seen as the potentially perfect midfielder to strengthen Mikel Arteta’s midfield for his 4-3-3 plans. 

That fee would only be manageable should Arsenal manage to shift the likes of Emi Martinez, Matteo Guendouzi, and even, perhaps, Alexandre Lacazette out the exit door.

However, sporting director Edu has a strong relationship with his opposite number at Lyon, former Brazil team-mate Juninho Pernambucano. On top of that, Aouar has made it clear he is ‘eager to leave’ the French side, giving Arsenal extra hope in their push for the player. 

Arsenal have long been linked with a move for Aouar and Juninho even admitted as much in conversation with RMC Sport last week, in which he stated the midfield dynamo is ‘really appreciated’ by the Arsenal boss. 

But it now seems he has become the player Arsenal most want to improve their midfield position this summer, instead of Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Partey. 

Arsenal fans will no doubt be hoping the club can somehow manage to get a deal done to bring this immense talent to The Emirates this summer.