Arsenal 'lining up concrete £36.5m bid for Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar'

Arsenal are reportedly now in a position to make a formal £36.5m offer for Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar.

The 22-year-old has been touted as a target for numerous clubs over the past few transfer windows after starring in Ligue 1 and the Champions League.

Despite growing interest in the France international, Lyon sporting director Juninho Pernambucano revealed earlier this week that no bids have yet been tabled.

However, ESPN journalist Julien Laurens has indicated that may be about to change as Arsenal are ready to test the French club's resolve.

It is suggested that, following the £20m sale of Emiliano Martinez to Aston Villa and Lucas Torreira's likely move to Torino, Mikel Arteta's side can now afford to sign Aouar.

Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Partey also remains a reported target for the Gunners, but they are unlikely to follow through with that interest if Aouar joins.