Arsenal are keen on strenghtening their squad as the new Premier Leagaue season gears up, with the club said to be in talks with Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar.

Target Aouar has pleaded with the Ligue 1 club to allow him to leave say top French newspaper, L’Equipe.

Arsenal had orginally offered a 'cash plus Matteo Guendouzi' deal to Lyon - but the French side rejected it, preferring for a straight cash offer of around €60million (£55m).

The figure could be bargained down somewhat but Arsenal need to act now to capitalise on Aouar’s determination to leave.

In other news progress has stalled in Arsenal tempting long-term transfer target Thomas Partey from La Liga's Atletico Madrid.

However, speculation is rising Gabon striker and Gunners captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, 31, will sign a new three-year deal which will make him the highest paid player at the club.

Lyon sporting director Juninho says a move for Arsenal forward Alexandre Lacazette would be 'not possible for us today' – but has refused to rule out the possibility of a future transfer. 

Arsenal's Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, 28, has agreed a four-year deal with Aston Villa, worth about £60,000 per week, with the clubs set to agree a transfer fee of more than £15m.

After being heavily linked with the player, Paris St-Germain manager Thomas Tuchel has now ruled out a move for Arsenal's French midfielder Matteo Guendouzi.