Lyon president Aulas: Three major clubs chasing Aouar

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas claims three major clubs are interested in signing star midfielder Houssem Aouar.

Arsenal have emerged as favourites to prise Aouar from Lyon, though the Premier League club are yet to agree a fee as the Ligue 1 side hold out for £55million (€60m).

French outlet Telefoot reported on Friday that Aouar has agreed personal terms with Arsenal, who are reportedly willing to pay £36m (€40m) for the 22-year-old.

Aouar, however, has also been linked to the likes of Manchester City, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain following Lyon’s memorable run to the 2019-20 Champions League semi-final.

“Things haven’t really advanced. We know that three major clubs – two in the short term and one in the medium term – are interested in Houssem,” Aulas told reporters on Wednesday when asked about Aouar following the arrival of Lucas Paqueta from Milan.

“They are some of the biggest clubs. They have all been in the Champions League and have performed well. Talks are difficult. The clubs are not able to provide us with financial commitments.

“Some, like I have said with Barcelona, are in great difficulty. That is the difficulty. We are all working, night and day.”

Welcome to OL, Lucas Paquetá!#Paqueta2025pic.twitter.com/KNexEfbzvn

— OL English (@OL_English) September 30, 2020

Lyon have struggled for form since kicking off their 2020-21 season, managing just one win from five games in Ligue 1.

Rudi Garcia’s Lyon are 11th in the table, seven points behind unbeaten leaders Rennes.