Arsenal Rumors: Gunners May Need To Sell One Player To Complete Houssem Aouar Transfer

Arsenal has stepped up its pursuit of Lyon's Houssem Aouar, launching its bid for the midfielder, a report said. However, the Gunners might have to cash in on Lucas Torreira’s departure first in order to make a more enticing offer for the Ligue 1 star.

With the Oct. 5 transfer deadline rapidly approaching, Arsenal is now ramping up efforts to seal Aouar’s transfer deal with Lyon. ESPN reported, citing unnamed sources, that the Gunners have already offered €35 million ($41 million) for the 22-year-old's services, though this first bid is expected to be rejected. International Business Times could not independently verify the information.

Arsenal could come back with a higher offer if the initial $41 million is not enough to convince Lyon to part with the star midfielder, the anonymous sources added.

Lyon’s initial asking price for Aouar was around €60 million ($70 million), but the club is now willing to accept €40 million or €45 million ($47 million or $52 million) with the financial strain brought by the coronavirus pandemic, the report said. The transfer of Torreira, who has been linked to a move to Atletico Madrid, could help Arsenal get the additional funds needed for Aouar's signature.

Earlier this week, Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas once again suggested that Arsenal cannot afford Aouar, telling Le Progrès, "Financially, Arsenal are like everyone else (in a tricky spot). And Houssem could say to himself that the best thing would be to stay with us."

Meanwhile, Torreira’s future with Arsenal is believed to be uncertain due to the Gunners' growing interest in bringing in Aouar and Atletico star Thomas Partey. Amid the looming exit of Torreira, Mikel Arteta has been silent about the player’s situation.

"We don't have any update on Lucas or any other player at the moment," Arteta said during a Friday, Sept. 25 press conference ahead of Arsenal's Premier League game against Liverpool.

Torreira earlier suggested that he is not ruling out a possible Emirates Stadium exit. In an interview with Uruguayan radio station Sport 890 in August, the midfielder said that if it comes down to it, he will choose a team where he can shine.

"Transfer rumors? I don’t know anything right now," Torreira said. "I need to rest because it was a very long season, I got injured, then there was the coronavirus. I have a contract with Arsenal, but if I have to change in the future it will be a decision I make for my own good. Every player looks for a team where he feels important. We will see what happens in the future."