A creative midfielder has been a priority for Arsenal throughout this transfer window, and Frenchman Houssem Aouar from Lyon has reportedly been "The Gunners" first priority. According to the media RMC Sport, Arsenal should have sent their first bid for Aouar to Lyon, and the bid should be around £45 million plus an unknown player. According to the media, the player is Matteo Guendouzi, who has become unclear with Arsenal's Spanish manager Mikel Arteta, and is therefore not in the Spaniard's plans for the future.

The offer has been rejected by Lyon, and it is therefore expected that Arsenal will try another bid to see if it is possible to lure the 22-year-old Frenchman to London. Whether their possible possible new bid still includes Guendouzi is still unknown, however a new bid is expected.

Aouar is 22 years old, and plays in the central midfield with forces in the constructive and chance-creating game. This season he has been involved in 19 goals, in the form of either goals or assists, in 41 matches in all tournaments.