Report: Champions League club enters race for Arsenal-linked £54m ace, readying bid

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Reported Arsenal target Houssem Aouar is said to be the subject of interest from an unnamed Champions League club, who are readying a late offer for the 22-year-old, according to The Telegraph.

According to an ESPN report from mid-September, Aouar remains Mikel Arteta’s top target for the remainder of the transfer window, the Arsenal boss reportedly eager to build his team around the Lyon midfielder.

Indeed, the outlet claimed that the Gunners were frontrunners for Aouar’s signature, though player sales would be required for the North Londoners to meet his €60million (around £54million) price tag.

Lyon director Juninho said last week that he recently spoke on the phone with Arsenal technical director Edu and that Aouar is “really appreciated” by Arteta (RMC Sport via Metro).

However, The Telegraph claims that Aouar is aware of a club playing in Europe’s elite competition who are preparing a late offer for him, adding that he’ll wait before making a decision on his future.

TBR View:

A worrying report as far as Arsenal are concerned – just last week, Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas told Gooner Talk that there was “no offer yet, it seems that Arsenal don’t want to, or can’t invest the price for Houssem”.

With the Gunners seemingly in need of selling before they can make a big purchase, it remains to be seen what else happens their end in the window, but competition for a player of Aouar’s calibre is bound to be stiff.