Houssem Aouar claimed he has turned down the chance to join Arsenal because he wants to play a key role in Lyon’s revival.
Aouar was Mikel Arteta’s priority target for the summer transfer window, while Arsenal had multiple offers rejected for the 22-year-old.
Lyon had stood firm over their €60m (£55.5m) asking price for the midfielder and the Gunners have been unable to meet the French club’s valuation.
And now Arsenal look set to miss out on a deal as Aouar confirmed his desire to stay after Lyon’s 1-1 draw with Marseille on Sunday evening.
‘I felt that I can still bring something to this team,’ Aouar told Telefoot.
‘I wanted to continue the adventure with the club who raised me.
‘We must raise our heads because we have to do better.’
But despite the setback, Arteta insists Arsenal are working add to secure new signings before Monday’s deadline.
‘What I can guarantee is that we are doing our maximum for that to happen. Whether we’re going to achieve it or not, I don’t know,’ Arteta said after Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Sheffield United on Sunday.
‘Believe me, believe me, the ownership, the board, Edu and myself are doing everything we can to maximise the resources we have to improve the team and sustain and keep the players that are in this club to make this club successful.
‘Whatever we can do, whether it’s ourselves or the owners, they are willing to do it to support us, to back us, because I feel they believe in what we are trying to do.’
