Lyon general manager, Vincent Ponsont, says Arsenal’s bid for Houssem Aouar was rejected during the summer window, because it was “below market value”.
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is believed to have highlighted the French midfielder as one of his top priorities in the transfer market.
Arsenal ’s technical director Edu has already confirmed that the two clubs did engage in some talks, but ultimately a deal was unable to be completed.
Ponsont has now gone into more detail on their approach, while also suggesting he could be available when the window re-opens in January.
“We had three big clubs for him. The first one was more for next season,” he told L’Equipe (via Sport Witness).
“The second one was related to the departure of a player, and with this club, we could have come to an agreement. The third club was Arsenal, who offered below the market value.
“We discussed it with the player’s entourage, and together we took the decision to say no.
“The priority for us was clearly to keep the team competitive. For us, the market was over, but the coach told us that we were missing a lateral defender and then a central defender.
“But in the medium term, if Mediapro doesn’t pay and the Covid continues, it will be the same.”
