Arsenal 'set Houssem Aouar deadline by Lyon'

Arsenal have seemingly been informed that they must make an acceptable offer for Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar by Friday.

The Gunners are regarded as the clear favourites to sign the playmaker, who is available to leave for the right price after his club failed to qualify for Europe.

While Arsenal theoretically have until next week to agree a deal with the Ligue 1 outfit, Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has other ideas.

Speaking to Telefoot, Aulas said: "We will tell the players that whatever will not be settled in terms of departures before Friday, there will be no more departures.

"So for us the date of the transfer window will be Friday. I think I will propose it tomorrow to Rudi Garcia and Juninho Pernambucano, because it's understandable.

"And all people of goodwill can see that there is something wrong (with the results of the team). It can be because of that but it can also be a lot of other things. In any case, from Friday, the players who have not left will not leave."

Lyon have reportedly set Aouar's asking price at £54m, far greater than Arsenal's current £32m bid.