Arsenal have received a boost in their pursuit of Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar.

Le Progres has confirmed OL president Jean-Michel Aulas' claims that no straight cash bid from Arsenal has been received for Aouar.

However, Aulas may now be forced to encourage Arsenal to the negotiating table with a deal close for Penarol winger Facundo Pellestri.

Should an agreement be found for the Uruguay international, it will force Aulas into needing to sell to cover the signing.

And it's claimed his first move will be a call to Arsenal in order to discuss a more affordale fee for Aouar.