Arsenal have lodged a £32m bid for Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar, reports RMC Sport via The Metro.
The France international is one of Mikel Arteta's top targets in the market as he looks to bring in another midfielder before the close of the transfer window.
Manchester City and Juventus have also been credited with an interest in Aouar, but it looks as though Arsenal are leading the way for the French star.
Lyon currently value Aouar at around £54m, with their opening gambit falling well below the Ligue 1 side's asking price for the 22-year-old.
Aouar is believed to have agreed personal terms with Arsenal over a switch before next month's deadline and all that remains is for the two teams to come to an agreement over a fee.
Should Arsenal be looking to sign Aouar or rather pursue interest in Partey? Click here to read the transfer debate
Arteta has been looking to add another midfielder in the transfer window with Atletico Madrid man Thomas Partey another who has been linked with a move to the Emirates.
Matteo Guendouzi and Lucas Torreira are both expected to leave the club in the coming days, with the latter tipped for a loan switch to Atletico.
Arsenal now need to negotiate with Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas over a fee for Aouar, which in itself is no easy feat.
