Arsenal transfer news and rumours live: Edu's secret Houssem Aouar plan, duo to leave for £33m

Arsenal have made a solid start to the 2020/21 campaign but know more must be done in the summer transfer window to improve.

Mikel Arteta does not have the funds available to him such as Chelsea manager Frank Lampard but the Gunners are still making some noise in the transfer market.

So far in the summer window, the Gunners have completed the signings of Willian, Gabriel Magalhaes, Dani Ceballos and Alex Runarsson, but Arteta's side are looking to complete other deals.

A midfielder is also on the agenda, with Atletico Madrid's Thomas Partey a target, whilst Lyon's Houssem Aouar has also been linked with a move to the Emirates.

Meanwhile, Matteo Guendouzi, Shkodran Mustafi, and Lucas Torreira have all been linked with moves away.

Scroll down to catch up on all of today's updates.

Edu has a secret plan for the pursuit of Houssem Aouar, according to reports.

Edu and Mikel Arteta have leverage in their pursuit of Lyon star Aouar. Edu has a strong relationship with his Lyon counterpart and fellow countryman Juninho, which could benefit Arsenal.

Meanwhile, Shkodran Mustafi and Lucas Torreira continue to be linked with exits from Arsenal. Mustafi could leave in a potential £11 million move to Lazio, while Torreira may join Torino for £22 million.

Arsenal 'bid'

According to French outlet L'Equipe, Arsenal made an offer of cash plus Matteo Guendouzi for the 22-year-old midfielder.

The report claimed Arteta is believed to be a big admirer of the player’s talents, and it was director Edu who made the offer verbally over the telephone.

It is also claimed that Lyon rejected the offer as they only want cash for the player and do not feel that they need to add an additional midfielder.

Lyon update

Lyon sporting director Juninho confirmed after the club's Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich that there will be departures this summer.

"The aim now is to continue working, immediately with Ligue 1," Juninho, whose Lyon will not feature in the 2020-21 Champions League after finishing seventh at the time of Ligue 1 concluding due to the coronavirus pandemic, told RMC Sport.

"There are no presents. We will have to work. If we continue like this, we will be back in this competition. When you are well paid, you need motivation every day, we are going to concentrate on Ligue 1. There are the basics.

"There will be departures, but I am not worried. When you have players who play very well in a competition like this, like Moussa and Houssem...

"We will have to show the same spirit to be back in the Champions League next season."

What Guardiola previously said about Aouar

Speaking during the 2018/19 season, Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola heaped praise on Aouar after his side drew 2-2 with Lyon in the group stages.

"Houssem Aouar is a very good player. He is incredible," Guardiola said.

"We talk a lot about (Tanguy) Ndombele, but Aouar is also excellent. He's always very calm with the ball at his feet, with an excellent technical quality.

"Lyon really has a very good team. There are young people full of quality and I think the team is in place tactically.

"I think we can congratulate them, we have had absences tonight, but we have to congratulate them."