ARSENAL have received a major transfer boost after Lyon sporting director Juninho admitted Houssem Aouar could leave this summer.
The 22-year-old is one of the most highly-touted midfielders in Europe and is valued at £44million by the Ligue 1 side.
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has admired the star for months and has been plotting a transfer swoop this window.
Meanwhile, Premier League rivals Manchester City and Serie A champions Juventus are both also keen on signing the Frenchman.
Now Lyon have opened the door to his departure by admitting his exit is a real possibility.
Juninho told RMC Sport: “Houssem 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.
“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, Lyon’s president Jean-Michel Aulas says he is determined to keep his prized-possession.
He added: “Houssem has not said he wants to leave.
“We want to try to keep him even though the interest is considerable.
“There are no negotiations ongoing.’”
Aouar came through the ranks at his boyhood club to break into the first-team four years ago.
He has played 134 times since then and scored 24 goals.
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The 5ft 9in ace continues to flourish and last term grabbed nine goals and provided eight assists before the season was cut short due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Aouar and his team-mates are now looking to secure Champions League glory after knocking out Juventus last week.
They are now preparing to take on his potential new employers Man City in the quarter-finals on Monday.
