ARSENAL are ready to launch another attempt to sign Lyon’s Houssem Aouar.
The Gunners were priced out of a move for the 22-year-old Frenchman last summer – with Lyon demanding up to £55m.
However, the Ligue 1 club’s failure to qualify for the Champions League means Aouar will cost as little as £20m – a figure well within the North London club’s price range.
And SunSport understands that Arsenal are readying a contract worth £100k-a-week to lure the midfielder to the Emirates at the second time of asking.
Aouar chipped in with eight goals and four assists last season for Lyon, and has been on the radar of several Premier League sides, including Liverpool.
However, Arsenal are currently leading the race as they look to bolster their creative attacking options ahead of the new season.
Midfield is an area where Arsenal could sell in the coming months, with Granit Xhaka and Matteo Guendouzi linked with moves away.
And with Aouar not involved in Didier Deschamps’ France squad for the Euros, contract negotiations are expected to be hassle-free.
Speaking before Lyon’s last game of the season, Aouar admitted: “This could be my last game for the club.”
It would represent a bargain given the current economic climate this summer, with boss Mikel Arteta hoping to buy smart instead of big during this window.
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And the Spanish coach hopes this particular deal is one that can be done and dusted quickly so they can turn their attention to other targets.
Arsenal have also been linked with a move for Brighton’s Ben White having had a £40m offer rejected.
And they are expected to table an increased bid for the defender soon.
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