Why Arsenal failed to sign Houssem Aouar

Arsenal reportedly decided against signing Houssem Aouar this summer after Lyon demanded more than their ceiling price for the midfielder.

The Gunners were interested in signing both Thomas Partey and Aouar during the recent transfer window, but they managed to only secure the services of the former from Atletico Madrid on deadline day.

According to L'Equipe, the north London side had set a budget of around £35m for Aouar, but Les Gones demanded much more for the versatile midfielder.

With the lack of player sales, the Gunners could not afford the additional sum of around £15m and hence, the negotiations broke down prior to deadline day.

The capital outfit are likely to revive their interest at the turn of the year, but reports claim that they could face fresh competition from Juventus, who were keeping tabs on the player's situation this summer.

Paris Saint-Germain are another club that have been credited with an interest in Aouar, who made his France senior debut earlier this month.