Houssem Aouar to Arsenal: Lyon chief Jean-Michel Aulas says Gunners nowhere near deal for midfielder
Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has revealed Arsenal are "nowhere near" a deal for midfielder Houssem Aouar despite reports of an agreement.
French outlet L'Equipe reported on Friday night that Arsenal had agreed personal terms with the midfielder, though claiming the north London club were yet to strike a deal with Lyon.
Standard Sport understands Arsenal are interested in bringing the 22-year-old to the Emirates, while also keen on Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Partey.
Lyon are believed to want a fee of around £44million for Aouar and Aulas has previously questioned whether Arsenal have the means or even the desire to mount a serious bid.
Aulas has now taken to Twitter to cast further doubt on a potential move. He responded to L'Equipe's article, stating he expects the midfielder - who played a pivotal role in the club's run to the Champions League semi-finals last season - to once again feature against Lorient on Sunday.
The Frenchman also insisted Arsenal are simply too far away from their valuation as things stand.
He tweeted: "There will be very few departures. For Houssem, Arsenal are too far from his value.
"We are counting on him to play a great game in Lorient and lead Lyon into the Champions League next year."
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