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Wednesday's Arsenal transfer talk news roundup: Houssem Aouar, Thomas Partey, Antonio Rudiger

Here, Sports Mole rounds up the latest transfer talk for Arsenal on Wednesday, December 2.

The summer transfer window has now closed, with Arsenal pulling off one of the standout deals on deadline day.

The Gunners triggered the release clause of Thomas Partey to cap off a relatively busy summer which saw the likes of Willian and Gabriel Magalhaes join too, and attention will now begin to turn to January.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up the latest news on possible comings and goings at the Emirates Stadium.

Wednesday morning's Arsenal transfer talk news roundup:


Lyon's Houssem Aouar rules out January move to Arsenal

Houssem Aouar pictured for Lyon in August 2020© Reuters

Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar has effectively ruled out a move to Arsenal in the January transfer window.

The 22-year-old was thought to be on his way to the Emirates Stadium over the summer, but Arsenal's proposed offer for Aouar came up short and the midfielder ultimately stayed put in Ligue 1.

While the Gunners bolstered their engine room with the signing of Thomas Partey - who is now sidelined through injury for a number of weeks - Arsenal were understood to be plotting another swoop for Aouar in 2021.

However, the France international has affirmed that he is loving life in France and wants to help Lyon achieve their goals this season, telling RMC Sport: "I do not see how I could be unhappy in my city, in my club. That is something that I do not understand (rumours that he is unhappy at Lyon).

"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. Everything that I want, is to put this club back in its rightful place with my teammates.

"I am very happy to be here, we have an enormous amount of ambitions for this season."

Aouar has been a key player once again for Lyon this term, but the Arsenal target was left out of Rudi Garcia's squad to face Reims after allegedly refusing to take part in a post-match training session following their win over Angers.



Barcelona 'interested in Antonio Rudiger and Shkodran Mustafi'

Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger pictured in July 2020© Reuters

Barcelona are reportedly set to make offers for Premier League duo Antonio Rudiger and Shkodran Mustafi if they fail in their attempt to sign Manchester City defender Eric Garcia in the January transfer window.

Ronald Koeman is short of options in the centre of defence as Gerard Pique is likely to be sidelined for up to four months after picking up a knee ligament injury in November.

Mundo Deportivo reports that Garcia, 19, remains Barcelona's primary target but the La Liga giants have lined up the out-of-favour Rudiger and Mustafi as possible alternatives.

The Catalan club failed to agree a deal with Manchester City in the summer as they were unable to raise the reported £9m fee that Pep Guardiola's side were demanding.

Garcia, who has made five appearances for City this campaign, is out of contract at the Etihad at the end of the 2020-21 campaign, meaning he would be available to leave the club on a free transfer.

Rudiger has been heavily linked with a move away from Chelsea since the summer, while Mustafi has fallen down the pecking order under Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta.


More transfer news from Arsenal:

Arsenal 'revive interest in Ibrahima Konate'
Arsenal may reportedly revive their interest in RB Leipzig defender Ibrahima Konate during the January window. Read more.

Arsenal 'not interested in Norwich City's Emiliano Buendia'
Arsenal have made no attempt to prise Emiliano Buendia away from Norwich City yet, according to a report. Read more.

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Houssem Aouar pictured for Lyon in August 2020
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