Arsenal are reportedly unlikely to rekindle their interest in Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar during next months January transfer window.
Arsenal targeted a move for the France international during the summer as the Gunners sought to add creativity to their midfield ranks, with the two clubs having discussed a potential transfer prior to the north London side’s deadline day move for Thomas Partey.
Partey’s arrival has added presence to the engine room but there remains a need for additional creativity, the club having been linked with a move for Red Bull Salzburg’s Dominik Szoboszlai – who has since agreed to join sister-club RB Leipzig next month.
Mikel Arteta’s side have scored just 15 goals from their 15 league fixtures this season and currently sit 15th in the division, though ended a run of seven games without a win with a 3-1 victory over Chelsea on Boxing Day.
Their lack of goals has been a major concern but, according to The Athletic, those concerns will not lead to renewed interest in Aouar, the Gunners’ focus believed to be on alternative targets with the likes of Barcelona youngster Riqui Puig and RB Leipzig’s Christopher Nkunku amongst those being considered.
Aouar’s reputation flourished during Lyon’s run to the semi-finals of the Champions League last season and his poise in possession would greatly add to Arsenal’s midfield options, though the French side are unwilling to sanction his sale cheaply with both Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus having been linked.
Arsenal are understood to be prepared to back Arteta next month following the club’s worst-ever start to a Premier League season, though names such as Julian Brandt and Emiliano Buendia may be more affordable and attainable targets in the winter window.
The Athletic also report that Arsenal are considering options at centre-back with the likes of David Luiz, Shkodran Mustafi and Sokratis having all entered the final months of their contracts, whilst youngster William Saliba is expected to leave on loan after failing to break into the senior side this season.
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