Arsenal failed to capture Yoann Gourcuff in transfer window

Lyon have revealed that Arsenal tried to lure midfielder Yoann Gourcuff to the Emirates in a late deadline day bid.

Due to recent results and injuries, the Gunners were forced to spend in the last few days of the transfer window and managed to buy German defender Per Mertesacker, Andre Santos and Everton's Mikel Arteta before the window closed. The club also took Chelsea midfielder Yossi Benayoun on a loan deal.

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has claimed that the Premier League side had a bid rejected for Gourcuff.

"I got a call on the penultimate day of the transfer window from Gilles Grimandi asking for a loan," Aulas told RMC Sport.

"We believe in re-establishing Yoann. He has been operated upon. He has just resumed training.

"We have chosen Gourcuff, like last year. It was hard last season. Hopefully he will demonstrate his capabilities this term."

The Frenchman is currently recovering from an ankle injury.