Arsenal: Locatelli, Maddison, Aouar, & Odegaard transfer latest

Houssem Aouar – Lyon

There are a fair few outlets in France that cough up all manner of nonsense during the transfer window (as there is everywhere) and Le10Sport are one to be highly sceptical of.

Mentions of bids having already been lodged have come about although the latest from them suggests it’s all over for Arsenal in regards to Houssem Aouar.

They state that the Gunners have ‘put an end’ to talks with Lyon after seeing a bid just short of €20m being rejected with Lyon wanting somewhere between €20-25m. Claims of a bid from Arsenal are not backed up in the English media, although the interest is.

ESPN have stated that this is a move Arsenal are eyeing up. They need to sell before they buy – which is proving troublesome – and are now being joined in the hunt by Tottenham. Reports that Spurs were proposing a swap involving Tanguy Ndombele for Aouar have been shot down by Telefoot, yet the claims of both north London sides making inquiries remains in tact.

Arsenal are evidently keeping their eye on Aouar, as expected due to their heightened interest last summer, which makes the situation slightly bizarre since if they were so hell-bent on signing him for £35m last time, why are they not stumping up a fee that’s less half of the original asking price?

Martin Odegaard may be playing a very key part in this.