Arsenal given major boost in Houssem Aouar transfer hunt with midfielder ‘set to quit Lyon before end of 2020-21 season’

ARSENAL target Houssem Aouar is set to quit Lyon before the end of THIS season, according to reports.

The Gunners have been heavily linked with the Frenchman for months and the latest development will come as a huge boost to the North Londoners.

Aouar was close to joining Arsenal in the summer transfer window before the Gunners turned their attention to Thomas Partey.

But the Gunners failed to cough up Lyon's £55.5million asking price.

However it has now emerged Aouar could leave the Ligue 1 side before the end of the season, according to L'Equipe.

The 22-year-old's relationship with his club's hierarchy is already under strain following a clash at the end of November.

The midfielder was reportedly axed from Lyon's squad for refusing to train.

Aouar was said to be unhappy at being an unused substitute in Lyon's 1-0 win over Angers.

And as a result, the France international is said to have refused to take part in the post-game protocol of warming down with his team-mates.

Aouar allegedly cited the poor condition of the pitch as the reason for staying in the dressing room – which he retreated to before the final whistle – to take part in the half-hour drill.

Yet Lyon staff were said to be 'annoyed' by the attacker's decision especially considering the squad had been given a day off on the Monday.

Aouar was not in the squad for Lyon's 3-0 victory over Reims the following weekend.

The midfielder claimed in October he wasn't disappointed by Lyon's refusal to sell him and insisted he was happy to stay at his boyhood club.

But SunSport previously reported Mikel Arteta is expected to launch another bid to sign Aouar after falling short this year.

The Spaniard wanted to sign French ace Aouar and Chelsea vice-captain Jorginho before the transfer deadline as well as Partey.

Blues star Jorginho revealed in October his representatives held talks with Arsenal.

However, the midfielder's agent Joao Santos has since hinted at another reunion with former Blues boss Maurizio Sarri if he gets a new job.

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