Arsenal dealt huge blow with Houssem Aouar ‘set to stay at Lyon’

Arsenal dealt huge blow with Houssem Aouar ‘set to stay at Lyon’ as French giants ‘end all negotiations’ with Memphis Depay also poised to remain

  • Arsenal look to be dealt a late blow in their pursuit of Lyon’s Houssem Aouar
  • Reports in France state Lyon will not retain both Aouar and Memphis Depay 
  • Both players have been linked with moves away for the majority of the summer

Arsenal have been dealt a bitter blow in their pursuit of Lyon superstar Houssem Aouar, with the midfielder reportedly set to remain in France.

Lyon are now said to have ended all negotiations as the transfer window enters its final few days, and will also deny Memphis Depay a late move to Barcelona.

The new information is carried by French outlet RMC Sport, who state that both players have been reapplied back into Lyon plans after returning to training.

Houssem Aouar now looks set to remain with Lyon this season, according to reports in France

A source close to the club told the French publication that Dutch striker Depay was still trying to force a move to join Ronald Koeman at Barca, while Aouar had supposedly opened talks with Juventus. 

It is reported that club president Jean-Michel Aulas now wishes for the players to be kept, due to the limited time to bring in replacements before Monday’s deadline.

Mikel Arteta had been hoping to add Aouar and cap off a successful summer transfer window

Mikel Arteta had been hoping to add Aouar and cap off a successful summer transfer window

Lyon are also reportedly set to deny Memphis Depay his wish to move to Barcelona

Lyon are also reportedly set to deny Memphis Depay his wish to move to Barcelona

Lyon made the semi-finals of last season’s Champions League, and are bidding to challenge long-term rivals Paris Saint Germain for the domestic title this season.

Arsenal had been hopeful of securing a late deal for Aouar to cap off a successful summer window, with the club on the bring of offloading Lucas Torreira to Atletico Madrid.

Manager Mikel Arteta has operated on a sell-to-buy model since arriving at the club, and is also tasked with reducing Arsenal’s sizable wage bill. 

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