Arsenal handed boost in chase for Lyon midfielder Houssem Aoaur

Lyon appear to have signed a replacement

Arsenal have been handed a major boost in their pursuit of Houssem Aouar, as Lyon appear to have wrapped up a deal for a replacement. Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has reported that a deal has been agreed between AC Milan and Lyon for the transfer of midfield playmaker Lucas Paqueta, while Arsenal continue their negotiations for Aouar. https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1310905768707842049 Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has confirmed they have received a bid from Arsenal but described it as timid. “There was a timid offer, it was not an offer that was even susceptible to making us consider a sale," he said. When asked how much money Lyon would demand for the 22-year-old, Aulas suggested that anything more than €40m would get the ball rolling. https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1310705703141732355 Arsenal's need for a new central midfielder has been laid bear in recent weeks, as Mohamed Elneny has walked back into the team after a loan spell at Besiktas last season. Dani Ceballos and Granit Xhaka have played well together but if Arsenal want to build on the progress they have made so far under Mikel Arteta, a more dominant, creative midfielder is a must and Aouar would fit the bill. Aouar's performances in the Champions League for Lyon caught the attention of many clubs across the continent, with Juventus making a formal approach today, according to RMC in France. But Arsenal look most likely to win the race for his signature at the moment.