Arsenal encouraged in long-term interest for Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar | OneFootball

Arsenal have been encouraged in their long-term interest in Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar.

The Gunners had held negotiations with the French side about bringing the midfielder to London.

But Arsenal were unable to meet Lyon's demands to make a deal happen, with Aouar making a statement just days before the transfer window closed that he wanted to stay where he was.

Arsenal ended up signing Thomas Partey on deadline day, but there was still clearly a void in manager Mikel Arteta's side for a midfielder with more attacking impetus.

And L'Equipe says Aouar's value has plummeted after a disappointing campaign being in and out of the team.

It is suggested that an offer in the region of £25 million may be enough to sign the Frenchman this time around, roughly half of what they were asking for nearly 12 months ago.