Houssem Aouar asked about Arsenal transfer after latest Lyon outing

Arsenal transfer target Houssem Aouar remained tight-lipped regarding his future - and insisted he cannot hide behind speculation.

Aouar has been the subject of a £35million bid from the Gunners which has been rejected.

But he is believed to be a priority target for Mikel Arteta before the October 5 transfer deadline with the prospect of further bids being lodged.

Lyon are holding out for £55million for their star man, but he was unable to help them beat Lorient in a 1-1 draw in Ligue 1 on Sunday.

After the game, Aouar agreed to a post-match interview but did not want to talk when asked about his future.

However, he did claim that disruption is no excuse for a below-par start to their campaign.

“6 points in 5 matches is not sufficient,” he told Canal+.

“I don’t know why it’s like this. We need to improve vs compact teams.

“The transfer window isn’t disturbing the team at all.

“It is more on the pitch that we have to improve & not hide behind things like that.

“We had the ambition to get the three points. We came across a very compact block. As very often, it is difficult to find the loophole against this kind of team.

“This is what must be worked on and changed as quickly as possible. The start of the season is not up to what Lyon should do.”

Whilst Aouar was tight-lipped on his future, president Jean-Michel Aulas stated this weekend Arsenal are not close to meeting their valuation.

“Arsenal are too far away from Houssem’s value,” Aulas said.

“We are counting on him to put in a great display away to Lorient and lead Olympique Lyonnais into the Champions League next year.”