Arsenal have reportedly cooled their interest in signing Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar.
The Gunners were heavily linked with a move for the 22-year-old last summer and had been expected to revive their pursuit in the upcoming transfer window given their struggles in the Premier League so far this season.
However, The Athletic reports that the Arsenal hierarchy have developed reservations over Aouar and that the France international has slipped down their list of potential targets as a result.
The North Londoners were unable to strike an agreement with Lyon last summer and eventually brought in Thomas Partey instead.
The board are keen to add more creativity to their midfield, but now regard Borussia Dortmund's Julian Brandt as a more attractive option than the £55m-rated Aouar.
Arsenal have scored just 15 goals in as many Premier League games this season, with Saturday's 3-1 victory over Chelsea being the first time they have scored more than once in a top-flight outing since October 4.
Barney Corkhill
