Arsenal's offer for Aouar 'too far from his value,' says Lyon president

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas confirmed Arsenal made an approach for 22-year-old playmaker Houssem Aouar but indicated an offer - reportedly worth €35 million - has been rejected.

"For Houssem Arsenal is too far from his value," Aulas said Sunday on Twitter, as translated by The Guardian's Nick Ames. "We are counting on him to play a great match in Lorient (on Sunday) and lead OL (Lyon) in the CL (Champions League) in the next year."

Arsenal are reportedly prepared to follow up with an improved offer for the midfielder considered to be manager Mikel Arteta's top target before the transfer window closes Oct. 5.

If negotiations are successful, Arsenal will offer Aouar a five-year contract, reports The Guardian's Fabrizio Romano.

Lyon initially placed a €60-million price tag on Aouar - who is reportedly hopeful of moving to north London - but it's understood the French club has lowered its valuation due to the fallout from the coronavirus pandemic.

Lyon is said to have previously rejected an offer from Arsenal that included cash and out-of-favor midfielder Matteo Guendouzi.

The Gunners have also been linked with midfielder Thomas Partey, but Atletico Madrid's unwillingness to accept anything less than his €50-million release clause has seemingly forced Arteta to look elsewhere.

Arsenal may need to raise funds before they submit a new offer for Aouar by selling outcasts such as Lucas Torreira, Sead Kolasinac, and Sokratis Papastathopoulos.

Aouar's stock has soared over the last year, as he ended an impressive 2019-20 campaign by playing an influential role in the team's unexpected run to the Champions League semifinals.