Nottingham Forest are closing in on Lyon midfielder and long-time Arsenal target Houssem Aouar

Nottingham Forest are reportedly closing in on signing Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar as they continue their summer spending spree.

The 24-year-old, who has scored 40 goals and added a further 35 assists in 216 appearances for the Ligue 1 outfit, is out of contract in just 12 months time.

The Frenchman has been linked with a move away from Lyon for the third consecutive summer and speculation has now intensified.

Steve Cooper's newly-promoted Forest have already had an undisclosed offer for Aouar rejected, but are said to have now made another offer, according to Sky Sports Italy.

Aouar has been a long-time target for Arsenal in recent seasons and more recently saw a move to LaLiga side Real Betis collapse.

The attacking midfielder now looks set to join Forest, who have already made 14 summer signings, as talks remaining ongoing with boss Cooper's summer spending spree showing no signs of slowing down.

Forest confirmed the double signing of Watford striker Emmanuel Dennis and ex-Crystal Palace midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate earlier today, surpassing the £100million mark.

The two players join a long-list of new signings through the door at Forest including Neco Williams, Jesse Lingard, Taiwo Awoniyi, Dean Henderson and Harry Toffolo, as well as a host of others.

Forest's return to the Premier League got off to a difficult start last weekend when they were beaten 2-0 by Newcastle at St James' Park.

Forest will play their first home Premier League fixture since 1999 on Saturday when they host West Ham at the City Ground.