Transfer Centre

Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar explains why Arsenal move collapsed

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 05 October 2020

French midfielder Houssem Aouar opens up for the first time since his proposed move to Arsenal collapsed, saying that he wishes 'to continue his adventure with Lyon'.

Houssem Aouar has vowed to give his all for Lyon after his proposed move to Arsenal fell through.

The France Under-21s international is believed to have been one of two primary midfield targets for the Gunners this summer, along with Atletico Madrid's Thomas Partey.

However, Arsenal had a couple of bids rejected for the 22-year-old - the most recent described as "timid" by Lyon chief Jean-Michel Aulas - and have now cooled their interest.

Speaking for the first time since the transfer collapsed, Aouar has suggested that he was more interested in staying at the Groupama Stadium.

"I felt that I can still bring something to this team," Aouar said on the back of Lyon's 1-1 draw with Marseille on Sunday - a game in which he scored a penalty.

"I wanted to continue the adventure with the club who raised me. We must raise our heads because we have to do better."

Arsenal are still expected to offload at least one midfielder before Monday evening's transfer deadline, with Matteo Guendouzi and Lucas Torreira being linked with Hertha Berlin and Atletico Madrid respectively.