Arsenal want to buy Lyon’s Nabil Fekir in January, but then loan him back for the rest of the season, according to reports.

Arsenal have had a long-stand interest in Fekir and could attempt to sign him when the transfer window opens in January.

According to Le Foot (via Sport Witness), though, it’s not going to be a straightforward buy.

They report that Arsenal will try to do a deal that satisfies all parties by buying Fekir in January for £44m, but then loaning him back for the rest of the season.

The idea is that Arsenal would head off any competition, while also allowing Lyon to continue benefiting from their star player and Fekir to continue impressing in the lead-up to the World Cup.

The one flaw in the plan is that Arsenal could use an attacker with Fekir’s quality themselves this season rather than next.

Alexis Sanchez is out of form and could soon leave the club, while the likes of Alex Iwobi and Danny Welbeck haven’t stepped up.

Fekir has scored 11 goals in 14 Ligue 1 appearances and has helped his side to third in the table.

He had an excellent partnership with Alexandre Lacazette when the two were at Lyon together, and could soon be reunited if Arsenal’s interest is serious.