Arsenal are preparing a bid for Houssem Aouar once they sell Lucas Torreira, with the midfielder remaining their ‘top target’ this window.

Speaking on the Gab and Juls ESPN podcast, Julien Laurens suggested Arsenal would make a serious bid for summer target Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar once they find a buyer for Lucas Torreira.

“I believe Arsenal are preparing a deal,” Laurens said. “A bid for Aouar once they sell Lucas Torreira, probably to Torino…I think Arsenal will offer something to Lyon for Aouar & this one could happen.”

Fabrizio Romano claims Aouar is now Arsenal’s top target for the remainder of the window. The Emi Martinez sale to Villa helped raise some of the funds, but the Lyon man isn’t going to come cheap.

According to reports from earlier this summer, Lyon raised their valuation of Aouar from €40m to €60m on the back of his impressive Champions League knockout stage performances. Sporting director Juninho says they haven’t received any bids yet.

There was some good news on the transfer earlier this week, with reports ruling out both Juventus and Manchester City at this stage. That leaves Arsenal as the clear front runners. According to Fabrizio Romano, Aouar would like to join.

Arsenal and Arteta are keen, Aouar wants the move, it’s really just a case of sorting a fee with Lyon and raising enough money to afford it. Keep an eye on Lucas Torreira, Sokratis Papastathopoulos and Sead Kolasinac as potential outgoings.