Arsenal to submit improved bid for Houssem Aouar?

Arsenal are ready to come back with an improved bid for Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar after seeing their initial offer swiftly rejected, according to a report.

Earlier this week, Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas took to Twitter to confirm that the Gunners had tabled a bid for the Frenchman, but the offer was too little for Les Gones to consider a sale.

However, Arsenal are reportedly determined to land the 22-year-old before the transfer window shuts on October 5, and the Gunners are now preparing a significantly improved offer for the highly-rated Frenchman.

According to football.london, Arsenal's fresh bid for Aouar will include an initial fee of £36.5m, plus £9m in add-ons and performance-related bonuses.

Given the need for clubs to balance the books after being severely hit financially during the coronavirus pandemic, there is a suggestion that Lyon could be willing to accept a lower figure than the £55m that they were originally holding out for.

However, with a deal yet to be agreed for Aouar, the midfielder is set to be included in Rudi Garcia's squad for Lyon's clash with Lorient on Sunday.