Houssem Aouar could still leave Lyon before the end of the season, boosting Arsenal’s chances of landing him in the January transfer window.

L’Equipe reported this week that Aouar could leave Lyon before the summer window, though Arsenal aren’t his only suitors.

Juventus are actually the more strongly-linked club in the report, as they reportedly almost had a deal for him in the summer. It was only Federico Bernardeschi’s refusal to join Lyon in return that held the deal back.

There was some renewed speculation around Houssem Aouar in the last week or so after Lyon decided to drop him from their matchday squad to face Stade Reims.

The decision was in the light of the player’s refusal to take part in the post-match warm-down session after Angers, but Aouar insists that was just a misunderstanding. He claims he thought he was supposed to avoid running on the Angers pitch due to an injury.

As for the possibility of leaving Lyon in the January transfer window, Aouar was pretty insistent at the time.

“I’ll be at Lyon until next summer, at least,” the midfielder said. “I do not see how I could be unhappy in my city, in my club. That is something that I do not understand.

“I am very happy to be here, I took the decision to stay with the club that formed me, I savour every day I have here.”

Even if Aouar isn’t publicly angling for a January transfer, the reports behind-the-scenes are increasingly suggesting he might make one.

The 22-year-old midfielder has two goals and an assist in eight appearances this season.