Latest Arsenal transfer rumours: Lyon make Houssem Aouar decision, hurdle in Lucas Torreira deal

Time is running out for Arsenal in their search to land a new midfielder.

Mikel Arteta is desperate to strengthen the middle of the park before the window slams shut on Monday but progress has been slow.

Houssem Aouar and Thomas Partey have been targeted by the Gunners but the fee for each of those players appears to be causing a problem.

To help make up the numbers, Arsenal are understood to be keen to offload a number of players with the likes of Lucas Torreira and Matteo Guendouzi tipped for exits.

Below we run you through all the latest rumours as pressure ramps up ahead of the deadline.

Lyon set Aouar deadline amid PSG and Juventus interest

Arsenal are reportedly facing late competition to sign Houssem Aouar from Lyon.

The midfielder has been strongly linked with a move to North London for some time now, and various reports have suggested the French club are open to selling the 22-year-old if any side can match their €50million (£45.4million) asking price.

Juventus are said to be keen on the midfielder, but cannot reach Lyon's asking price.

That leaves Arsenal as the frontrunners to land the France Under-21 international, but L'Equipe (via GFFN ) state that PSG are planning to launch a late raid for Aouar.

PSG predient Al Khelafi has apparently made contact twice this week over a potential move, though FFP regulations could make a transfer tricky.

Aouar is still said to favour a move abroad, and Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has apparently set a deadline of Saturday morning for all sales to be concluded.

Last Torreira hurdle in Atletico Madrid move

There is apparently just one thing standing in the way of an Arsenal exit for Lucas Torreira.

The midfielder is set to join Atletico Madrid on a season-long loan deal after just two years in North London.

Torreira has fallen down the pecking order in midfield, but has a fan in Diego Simeone, who is offering him a way out.

However, Atletico have to move one of their own players on before a deal can be agreed, with Hector Herrera reportedly the man to make way, according to the Mail.

Should Atletico seal the loan move for Torreira, they will have the option to make the deal permanent for £22million.

Kolasinac problems

Sead Kolasinac was in action for the Gunners in the Carabao Cup tie against Liverpool on Thursday night, but is trying to seal a move away from North London.

Bayer Leverkusen are hoping to get a deal done for the defender ahead of Monday's deadline, but Sky Sports state that both the fee Arsenal are hoping to receive and the left-back's wage demands are proving problematic for the Bundesliga side.

Kolasinac has been with the Gunners for three years after sealing a move from Schalke in 2017.

However, he has struggled to seal a place as the starting left-back throughout his time at the Emirates Stadium.

Following an initial battle with Nacho Monreal, Kolasinac has now fallen behind Kieran Tierney in the pecking order, with Bukayo Saka also offering competition as a wing-back.