£30m wiped off fee as as Arsenal steamroll towards perfect, hassle-free transfer

Edu, Mikel Arteta

Arsenal have prepared a contract offer as they rekindle serious interest in a transfer for Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar, according to a report.

The Gunners made a strong effort to sign the France star in last summer’s window. But after submitting at least one bid worth £32million, the Ligue 1 club refused to budge over their £55million valuation. In any case, Aouar insisted after the transfer window closed that he felt “happy” with his decision to stay.

Further links with Arsenal interest in the playmaker emerged in January, but never progressed.

According to The Sun, though, Mikel Arteta’s side are ready to revive hope of a deal this summer.

In fact, the north London club also reportedly believe that they can sign Aouar for as little as £20million. That means over £30million could come off the player’s fee.

That is because Lyon failed to qualify for the Champions League, finishing fourth in the French top flight.

Arsenal’s strong belief has also seen chiefs prepare a £100,000 per week contract offer for Aouar.

While Liverpool have had links with a transfer, Arsenal are the firm frontrunners and have a much better chance of sealing his transfer in the coming weeks.

Transfer Chatter - Liverpool in for Sweden forward, Chelsea's verbal agreement with full-back and Wolves chasing ex-Atletico striker

Transfer Chatter - Liverpool in for Sweden forward, Chelsea's verbal agreement with full-back and Wolves chasing ex-Atletico striker

Jurgen Klopp is monitoring a 17-goal Swedish international, Chelsea have a verbal agreement with one of the world's most exciting full-backs and Wolves toying with approaching free agent, all in today's transfer chatter.

Furthermore, The Sun claims that the Gunners are advancing quickly with their pursuit.

Aouar’s exclusion from France’s Euro 2020 squad means he has more free time and subsequently more time to consider his future.

Arsenal therefore believe that negotiations with Lyon, Aouar and his agent will be ‘hassle-free’ and move ‘quickly’.

Attacking midfield is proving a key area for Arteta to strengthen over the summer transfer window.

While loan star Martin Odegaard impressed, reports claim that he looks likely to return to Real Madrid with playing time – especially with Carlo Ancelotti replacing Zinedine Zidane as manager.

Arsenal linked with other transfers

Ben White playing for England, June 2021

Amid the report about Aoaur, Arsenal have already had links with other deals across the pitch.

Sheffield United goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale is a target, as is centre-back Ben White of Brighton.

In fact, reports claim that the Gunners are getting closer to White after submitting a bid.

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