Premier League club Arsenal are said to be keen to return to make a bid for Olympique Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar this summer. The Gunners are looking for a competent midfielder that will serve as a potential replacement for Grant Xhaka who could be leaving the Emirates Stadium in a few weeks as he has continued to be linked with a move to AS Roma. Their attention on Aouar is not new, as the London club were targeting the France international midfielder at the end of last season but they were not able to reach an agreement with the French club on a transfer fee.

Multiple reports are now claiming that Mikel Arteta is willing to sign the midfielder this summer as he looks to bolster his squad before the start of next season. Aouar is said to be interested in a transfer to Arsenal but the move broke down after the north London club failed to meet up with Lyon’s £40 million valuation of the attacking midfielder.

However, with Lyon failing to qualify for the UEFA Champions League next season, they could now be willing to negotiate with Arsenal on a much-reduced fee. Several reports also provided updates that Lyon could be willing to do business if a fee of around £20 million could be submitted. Although the recently mentioned fee seems quite affordable on paper, it remains to be seen if Arsenal will be willing to pay up the exact amount and sign the player.

In recent weeks, the Gunners have been criticized for failing to have control in transfer negotiations and how they have let players slipped off their hands when all they needed to do was to submit a higher offer than the previous one they submitted. They will be hoping they can get the Aouar deal over the line as soon as possible.