Houssem Aouar has confirmed that talks are underway between Arsenal and Lyon to reach a transfer agreement, MySportDab reports.
The Frenchman was asked about his future after Lyon’s 1-1 draw against Lorient in the French Ligue 1.
Arsenal’s first bid of £32m was immediately rejected for Aouar and they are now working on an improved bid.
Lyon want £54m to let the midfielder leave the club but Arsenal can’t afford that.
However, Aouar have already agreed personal terms to join Arsenal.
Speaking on Sunday evening, Aouar said he would not discuss the transfer.
He said: “Ok, I will give you an interview after the game but I will not discuss my future”.
Aouar was later questioned harder about whether he would love to join Arsenal.
The 22-year-old did not rule out a move to the Emirates:
“The clubs are talking, I don’t know anything. Let’s see what happens.”
Aouar is now Arsenal’s top transfer target after they failed to sign Thomas Partey from Atletico Madrid.
Arsenal are now working out a new bid for Aouar and would offer £9m more in add-ons for the player.
Mikel Arteta has had to sell some players that are not in his plans to raise funds.
Lucas Torreira is in talks with Atletico Madrid about a potential transfer
Sokratis Papastathopoulos and Sead Kolasinac could also leave Arsenal before the transfer window October 5 deadline.
