Lyon not expecting clubs to meet Aouar's asking price

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas does not expect clubs to meet the asking price for Houssem Aouar before the transfer window runs out.

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas spoke on the future of Aouar at the club and mentioned that the chances of him leaving this summer are slim.

The 22-year-old midfielder has caught the eye of several European heavyweights after impressing for Lyon last season.

A host of clubs have already been linked to Aouar including the likes of PSG, Manchester City, and Chelsea. Over the past few weeks, Arsenal have been the side most prominently linked to the Frenchman.

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Lyon currently value the midfielder at €60m and are refusing to lower their demands for the player.

Aulas spoke on the possibility of Aouar leaving the club and admitted clubs are struggling to meet the club’s valuation in this period. It might have meant something or not but the Lyon president specifically mentioned Arsenal alongside.

Asked if Aouar could remain with Les Gones, Aulas told Le Progres: “Financially, Arsenal are like everyone else [in a tricky spot amid the coronavirus pandemic].

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

Lyon captain Memphis Depay has also been linked with Barcelona and AC Milan. Elsewhere, Moussa Dembele continues to attract interest from across Europe.

“From the start, I said that we would not lose the three players announced every day in the newspapers,” Aulas continued.

“Ten days before the end of the transfer window, none of the three have gone. And I don’t imagine that will happen. If one or two leave, they will be replaced.”

It’s now a race against time for Arsenal and perhaps other interested clubs if they are really intent on signing Aouar. Ten days left until the window runs out and that’s still enough to get a deal over the line.