Arsenal plan mid-season move for French playmaker

Arsenal will reportedly make a fresh attempt to sign Houssem Aouar from Lyon when the transfer window reopens in a few months' time.

The Gunners wanted to sign both Thomas Partey and Aouar before the international transfer deadline, but they only managed to recruit the former from Atletico Madrid.

Mikel Arteta's side were prepared to pay as much as £32m for Aouar, but Les Gones refused to do business after setting a non-negotiable price tag of around £50m.

According to L'Equipe, the north London giants will return for Aouar at the turn of the year and they could be prepared to meet the valuation, provided they are able to recoup funds from player sales.

Sead Kolasinac was touted to join Bayer Leverkusen, but the deal fell through on deadline day. He could be one of those heading for the exit door in the New Year.

Arsenal have registered nine points from their opening four league games. They are scheduled to face Manchester City on the road following the international break.