Olympique Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas admits Arsenal tried to sign Yoann Gourcuff in the summer.

Aulas revealed Lyon turned down an offer for the France midfielder, who joined from Bordeaux in 2010.

"There was a request from Arsenal and I said no. He has a five-year contract, wants to succeed with Lyon and I believe him," Aulas told L'Equipe.

Arsenal lost key midfielders Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri over the summer, but have since brought in Mikel Arteta from Everton.