Arsenal have identified Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar as their top transfer target heading into the new Premier League season, according to a report.
Despite securing the services of Real Madrid's Dani Ceballos on loan for a second season, the Gunners are supposedly eyeing up further midfield reinforcements including Aouar and Thomas Partey.
Aouar is contracted to Lyon until 2023 and would reportedly cost in the region of €60m (£55.4m) to prise him away from Lyon, but ESPN reports that Arsenal are determined to land the 22-year-old before the transfer window closes.
The report claims that Mikel Arteta wants to build his Arsenal side around Aouar and technical director Edu is in negotiations with Lyon regarding a potential move.
The Gunners previously offered out-of-favour midfielder Matteo Guendouzi as part of a deal for Aouar, but Lyon chief Juninho revealed that the Ligue 1 outfit had turned down that proposal.
Aouar registered nine goals and ten assists for Les Gones across all competitions during the 2019-20 campaign.
Ben Knapton
