Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is keen to strengthen his midfield before the transfer window closes on October 5.The Gunners were linked with a shock move with Chelsea’s Jorginho on Thursday, although Sky Sports added the Italian was one of several options Arteta is looking at.Atletico Madrid’s Thomas Partey and Lyon’s Houssem Aouar, who have both been strongly linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium this summer, were both mentioned.However, following developments on Friday evening, it seems Aouar is the most likely signing of the aforementioned trio.The talented 22-year-old, who has scored 24 goals in 139 games for Lyon, has reportedly agreed personal terms with the north London outfit.This is according to Téléfoot Chaine - Per Get French Football News on Twitter - who broke the news last week that Arsenal were about to submit an offer for the France Under-21 international worth in excess of €40 million.Téléfoot Chaine now understand that Aouar has agreed to join Arsenal.Curiously, they also claim that the player’s preferred destinations were Barcelona and Juventus, but neither European giant has submitted a concrete offer for the Frenchman.The reporter who broke the story understands that Arsenal made their first formal offer for Aouar on Thursday.
The size of the offer is unclear, but the two clubs are expected to continue their negotiations over the coming days.
Arsenal fans have done their homework on Aouar in recent weeks and are thrilled by the thoughts of his arrival, judging by social media…
This two-minute video, meanwhile, shows exactly why Arteta is so keen to bring the player to Arsenal…
There’s still a little way to go but it does appear that Arsenal have moved a significant step closer to sealing their main summer target.