Lyon president insists Arsenal don't have money or intention to land the Aouar.

Jean-Michel Aulas insists the Gunners don't have money or intention to land the 22-year-old.

Speaking on June 27, 2017, he said Lacazette won't leave Lyon.

And Alexandre was unveiled as a Gunner on July 5.

We believe Aulas is being bullish about Aouar and wants the Gunners to offer more money than they previously did.

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has played down rumours linking Arsenal with a move for Houssem Aouar.

"No I don't think so, no offer yet," he told journalist Chris Wheatley when asked whether he thinks Arsenal will complete a move for the midfielder.

"It seems that Arsenal don't want to, or can't invest the price for Houssem, who is our best player."

This kind of response brings up the memories of another big-money transfer from Lyon to the Emirates, one from 2017.

"I do not think that Alexandre Lacazette will leave this summer," Aulas told French publication Canal+ on June 27, 2017, as cited by the Express.

And you know what happened after that interview? Right – on July 5, 2017, Laca was officially presented as an Arsenal player.

Aulas simply flexed his muscles three years ago, and there is a good chance he's doing it now, too.

Lyon are known as tough negotiators and they are trying to get the best price for their talents. And their president is certainly aware of the fact Arsenal need a creative spark – so he is trying to bull Arsenal into making an improved bid.

Aulas reportedly values Aouar at £54.5m and Arsenal will need to sell a few fringe players such as Lucas Torreira to find the money to finance the move.

Speaking of Laca and Aouar, the striker used to mentor the midfielder when Houssem was a bright talent knocking on the doors of the first team.

Perhaps a chance to play with his former teammate, as well as having a French-speaking brigade with the Francophone boss Arteta, who learned the language during his brief spell at PSG, will help Aouar make a right decision and move to north London.