Arsenal transfer news: Gunners are ‘like everyone else’ and cannot afford Houssem Aouar, says Lyon chief

North London side apparently offered Matteo Guendouzi as part of a swap deal earlier this month

Lyon's Houssem Aouar (Getty Images)

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has said that Arsenal fc are unlikely to be able to afford transfer target Houssem Aouar.

The Premier League side have been linked with the France midfielder in recent weeks, and negotiations between Arsenal and the Ligue 1 team are reportedly still in motion.

Lyon are seemingly prepared to part with the 22-year-old for no less than £54million, a figure that the Gunners may not be able to meet.

Arsenal seemed to opt against a move for Atletico Madrid’s Thomas Partey due to the La Liga outfit’s £45m asking price for the midfielder.

And Aulas has said the situation looks very much the same in Arsenal’s pursuit of Aouar.

“Financially, Arsenal are like everyone else [in a difficult position],” Aulas is quoted by Le Progres as having said.

“And Houssem could say to himself that the best thing would be to stay with us.”

Earlier this month, Lyon’s sporting director Juninho said Arsenal had proposed sending Matteo Guendouzi to the French side as part of a deal for Aouar.