Arsenal end interest in Lyon's Houssem Aouar?

Arsenal have reportedly given up their pursuit of Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar.

The Gunners refused to meet Les Gones' asking price for the France international last year - believed to be in the region of £60m - but he is expected to be on the market for a cut-price figure this summer.

Arsenal are said to have approached Lyon with a £17m offer for Aouar, but Les Gones are still holding firm on their asking price of £21m amid rumoured interest from Tottenham Hotspur.

According to Le 10 sport, Arsenal are not prepared to increase their first bid for Aouar, and as a result they are withdrawing their interest in the 23-year-old.

The report adds that Spurs are now preparing to step up their interest after their bitter rivals pulled out of the race, while Manchester United and Liverpool are also weighing up approaches.

The Gunners are expected to announce the arrival of Albert Sambi Lokonga within the next few days, though, and they have also reportedly agreed a £50m deal for Brighton & Hove Albion defender Ben White.