Arsenal Transfer News: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang Reveals Thoughts On Houssem Aouar

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang likes the idea of playing alongside Lyon star Houssem Aouar at Arsenal.

Aouar is Arsenal’s top target for the remainder of the current window, though the club's plans to acquire Lyon's 22-year-old star player recently hit a few snags. But Arsenal superstar Aubameyang has already sent a clear message that he would like to see Aouar join the squad before the Oct. 5 transfer deadline.

"Of course I am in favor [of signing Aouar]," the 31-year-old Gunners captain told Canal+. "He would add quality. Let’s see what happens. I cannot hide that, even if he is with Lyon."

Aubameyang has been in Aouar’s shoes as he was also a target of a number of clubs this summer, including Barcelona. But the Gabonese striker revealed that he chose to stay with Arsenal because of the off-pitch relationship he developed with Arteta and the love he receives from Gunners fans.

Prior to Aubameyang's endorsement, Aouar’s move to Emirates Stadium hit a roadblock after Lyon rejected a reported £30 million ($38 million) bid from Arsenal, according to Sky Sports.

ESPN earlier reported that Lyon’s initial asking price for Aouar was believed to be €60 million ($70 million). However, due to the financial crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic, the French side lowered its expectations to €40 million or €45 million ($46 million to $52 million).

On Saturday, Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas suggested on social media that Arsenal has not been able to meet the club's valuation of Aouar and said he expects the 22-year=old to stay with them this season.

"There will be very few departures," Aulas tweeted. "Arsenal are too far away from Houssem's value. We are counting on him to perform against Lorient and guide Lyon into the Champions League next season."

Arsenal is expected to raise its rejected bid and make another offer for Aouar in the coming days.

The possible transfer of Lucas Torreira, who has been linked to Atletico Madrid, Fiorentina and Torino, could help Arsenal get the additional funds needed for Aouar's signature.

However, Torino sporting director Davide Vagnati recently said that the club could not afford a permanent deal for Torreira and Arsenal is not interested in a loan for him.

"Torreira is a top player but his price is too high," Vagnati said via journalist Fabrizio Romano. "It's difficult to sign him from Arsenal, not just for us."