Arsenal 'could miss out on top target Houssem Aouar to PSG next summer'

Houssem Aouar is still on Paris Saint-Germain's radar after a move to the French champions collapsed over the summer.

The 22-year-old, who has also been heavily linked with Arsenal this year, played against Thomas Tuchel's side at the Parc des Princes on Sunday evening as Lyon pulled off a shock 1-0 win to jump over their more illustrious opponents into second place in Ligue 1.

Talks over Aouar's transfer to PSG between Lyon's president Jean-Michel Aulas and his counterpart Nasser Al-Khelaifi ended due to the delicate economic situation brought about by Covid-19.

However, reports state that PSG sporting director Leonardo remains interested in the midfielder and the club look set to resume their interest in the summer of 2021, with Aouar's current contract at the Groupama Stadium expiring in 2023.

PSG midfielders Ander Herrera and Marco Verratti have openly expressed their admiration of Aouar, with the former Manchester United player saying that Aouar was 'in my opinion, one of the best players in France'.

RMC Sport report that Aouar is flattered by PSG's interest and could have a number of teams clamouring for his signature this summer.

Juventus and Manchester City are also interested in his services, while Arsenal's courting of the Frenchman is well known.

The Gunners ultimately plumped for Thomas Partey after failing to land Aouar over the summer and the Ghanaian has had an injury-hit start to life in north London despite demonstrating his obvious ability when he has made it onto the pitch.

Aouar told RMC Sport late last month that he was not fazed about missing out on a move to the Emirates, saying: 'I do not see how I could be unhappy in my city, in my club.

'[The rumours are] something that I do not understand. I am very happy to be here.

'I took the decision to stay with the club that formed me. I savour every day I have here.'

Arsenal have made a disastrous start in the Premier League this season, with their latest defeat against Burnley meaning they now sit 15th and have lost four home league games in a row for the first time since December 1959.