Arsenal have been dealt a bitter blow in their pursuit of Lyon superstar Houssem Aouar, with the midfielder reportedly set to remain in France.
Lyon are now said to have ended all negotiations as the transfer window enters its final few days, and will also deny Memphis Depay a late move to Barcelona.
The new information is carried by French outlet RMC Sport, who state that both players have been reapplied back into Lyon plans after returning to training.
A source close to the club told the French publication that Dutch striker Depay was still trying to force a move to join Ronald Koeman at Barca, while Aouar had supposedly opened talks with Juventus.
It is reported that club president Jean-Michel Aulas now wishes for the players to be kept, due to the limited time to bring in replacements before Monday's deadline.
Lyon made the semi-finals of last season's Champions League, and are bidding to challenge long-term rivals Paris Saint Germain for the domestic title this season.
Arsenal had been hopeful of securing a late deal for Aouar to cap off a successful summer window, with the club on the bring of offloading Lucas Torreira to Atletico Madrid.
Manager Mikel Arteta has operated on a sell-to-buy model since arriving at the club, and is also tasked with reducing Arsenal's sizable wage bill.
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Why spent so much money on the untried midfielder. Arsenal has already wasted their investment on the highly rated Pepe. In the meantime, Arteta should concentrate on the experienced and talented Mesut Ozil, a world class player. Arteta must not be over the moon just because he has won the FA Cup and the friendly Community cup. After all, football is a team work and does not depend on a player. Ozil has been with the club since 2013 and a very experienced and creative player. No other Arsenal player in the present squad could compare with his football skills and creativty. If Lampard of Chelsea could call upon the old warrior Giroud to beef up the forward line, why can't Arteta call back their best player Ozil to assist the club to move forward. Arteta should be brainwashed to change his mindset.