Arsenal reportedly remain in talks with Houssem Aouar's agent and are preparing a fresh bid for the Lyon midfielder.

The Gunners are believed to have had an initial offer of £31.2m knocked back for the France international earlier this window.

However, Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano reports that Mikel Arteta remains desperate to sign the 22-year-old, who is thought to be valued at around £54m.

Arsenal are now readying an improved bid, it is claimed, but Lyon will not accept any sort of swap deal involving Matteo Guendouzi.

Arteta may first have to generate some funds if he is to land his top midfield target, with Emiliano Martinez, Rob Holding, Lucas Torreira, Hector Bellerin and Guendouzi each being linked with the exit.

The North London outfit begin their Premier League campaign this weekend with a trip to capital rivals Fulham.