Arsenal make formal approach to sign Houssem Aouar

Arsenal have made a formal approach to sign midfielder Houssem Aouar from Lyon, French publication Le10Sport claims.

The Frenchman was heavily linked with the north Londoners last summer, but they were put off by the €60m valuation.

It is now reported that Les Gones are prepared to sell Aouar for a knockdown price between €20-25m amid financial concerns.

Paris Saint-Germain and Atletico Madrid have been linked with the playmaker, but the Gunners have made the first approach.

Talks are progressing well with the French outfit, and there is the optimism that they can land his signature in the coming days.

Aouar was recently absent for pre-season training which led to speculation that he could be pushing for a move elsewhere.

However, the midfielder dismissed the rumours by stating that he was only ill and remains committed to the Ligue 1 club.

Arsenal are aiming to overhaul their midfield options this summer. They recently loaned out Matteo Guendouzi to Marseille with a buy obligation.

The club are expected to offload Granit Xhaka and Lucas Torreira in the coming days. Xhaka has been widely tipped to join Roma.