Lyon reject Arsenal’s transfer offer of Guendouzi plus cash for Houssem Aouar as they hold out on £54m
LYON have reportedly rejected an Arsenal bid for Houssem Aouar involving outcast star Matteo Guendouzi.
The French midfielder looks increasingly likely to head for the Emirates Stadium exit door after falling out with Mikel Arteta.
Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona, Roma and Unai Emery’s new club Villarreal are all linked with Guendouzi.
According to L’Equipe, via GFFN, Arsenal attempted to move on the 21-year-old by offering him in a player-plus-cash deal for Lyon star Aouar.
At 22, Aouar has become an integral part of the Ligue 1 side’s midfield and is said to be valued at £54million.
The Champions League semi-finalists are not optimistic about their chances of holding onto the attacking midfielder.
Arsenal’s offer, reportedly communicated by technical director Edu over the phone, did not meet his price tag and was swiftly rejected.
Lyon sporting director Juninho has said of Aouar: “When you have great players in the squad, it is quite logical that other bigger teams with greater economic power come to seek the players.
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“There is a risk of losing important players. If we lose important players, I have already spoken with the president, we will have the right to balance the workforce.”
Meanwhile, the Gunners are thought to be happy with Villarreal completing a loan-to-buy deal for Guendouzi worth £30m.
The young star upset boss Arteta following a number of misdemeanours, including a fight with teammate Sokratis in Dubai and a furious response to Brighton’s win over his side in June.
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