Arsenal will have to fight off a late offer from a rival club in order to sign Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar, according to the Daily Telegraph.
The Gunners are hoping to snap up the 22-year-old before the transfer window shuts but it is believed the Frenchman is aware of interest from a team playing in the Champions League, who could make their move before deadline day.
The name of the club is currently not known at this stage, and fans on Twitter are split on whether this latest development will have an impact on Aouar moving to the Emirates:
It’s not happening lads ?
— Steveo (@Steveo789) September 22, 2020
Lyon hurrying us up
— evan 》 (@afcevan) September 22, 2020
— – (@mhmd_Ardi) September 22, 2020
arteta needs to use his pull now…
— ace (@ftbl_ace) September 22, 2020
Lyon forcing Arsenals hand probably
— datguycizz (@ciaren_ryan) September 22, 2020
Mysterious UCL club stands no chance
— JoshArsenal (@JoshArsenalFC) September 22, 2020
Mysterious club made up to scare us
— Connor? (@IcyAubaAFC) September 22, 2020
This is just Lyon trying to make us panic
— ? (@AFCOllyy) September 22, 2020
Arsenal in the transfer market pic.twitter.com/cV36tuWrw0
— Cfindex (@Cfindex92) September 22, 2020
It must be pointed out that journalists have consistently said that Arsenal will have to raise funds through player sales before matching Lyon’s €60m (£55m) asking price for the France Under 21 international.
Aouar is believed to be open to joining the London club, even though they will only be playing in the Europa League this season, but a bid from a rival team who can offer Champions League football would certainly complicate matters.
