Lyon’s President responds to Arsenal bid saying Gunners are “too far off” / Homegrown quota threatens Arsenal’s business

‘Too far off’

The transfer saga of the summer continues to twist and turn. Arsenal’s pursuit of Houssem Aouar is now so clearly in the public eye it is hard to avoid it.

Friday evening saw reports emerge from France that Aouar had agreed to join Arsenal and the Gunners had submitted their first formal bid to Lyon.

The bid was reported around the €40 million mark. Still some way off the €50-€60 million range supposedly wanted by Lyon.

Saturday morning has seen Lyon President Aulas come out and say that Arsenal are “too far of Houssem’s value.”

Jean Michel Aulas confirming Arsenal’s first offer for Aouar but saying “they are too far of Houssem’s value”. Ball is back in Arsenal’s camp. They have to increase their offer.

— Julien Laurens (@LaurensJulien) September 26, 2020

You would imagine Arsenal are likely to return with an increased offer, especially considering the Frenchman has now reportedly agreed terms with the club.

Homegrown quota

Even if Arsenal manage to pull off the signing of Aouar, the club could face difficulties in how they put their squad together.

League rules dictate a club can only have 17 non-homegrown players over 21-years-old in the squad. After Arsenal confirmed the signing of Iceland goalkeeper Runar Alex Runarsson, it took the Gunners’ total to 19.

The signing of Aouar would complicate matters further and Arsenal are still linked with a move for Thomas Partey in addition to the Frenchman.

BARCELONA, SPAIN – March 01: Thomas Partey #5 of Atletico Madrid in action during the Espanyol V Atletico Madrid, La Liga regular season match at RCDE Stadium on March 1st 2020 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images)

Arsenal have looked to move on a number of their non-homegrown players this summer. Lucas Torreira, Sead Kolasinac, Sokratis and Shkodran Mustafi have all been linked with moves away.

However, Arsenal have found suitors difficult to find in a COVID-19 ravaged world. Arsenal may have to accept much lower bids for their players if they want to see additions brought into Mikel Arteta’s squad.

See also: Houssem Aouar to Arsenal links intensify with Mikel Arteta ‘in love’ with Lyon star

‘We need more players’ – Luke Shaw publicly calls on Manchester United to bring in reinforcements

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