Liverpool front-runners to sign Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar

Liverpool have emerged as favourites to sign Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar, according to Le 10 Sport.

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

It is now reported that Les Gones could sell him for just €25m as they are looking to ease their financial concerns.

The club want to recoup funds from player sales, and they are open to offloading some of their highest earners.

Jurgen Klopp's side are yet to find a replacement for Georginio Wijnaldum, but have now identified Aouar as the prime target.

The Gunners have been long-term admirers of Aouar, but reports claim that they are no longer interested in the 23-year-old.

Mikel Arteta's side are looking at alternative options in the market including Italy's Euro 2020 star Manuel Locatelli.

They have already made a bid of around €40m for the midfielder. However, Locatelli has the first preference to join Juventus.

They are still optimistic of signing the Italian with the Bianconeri reluctant to match their bid for the ex-Milan graduate.