---
title: "Arsenal contact Lyon over Fekir deal – but should the Gunners look elsewhere?"
canonical: "https://readarsenal.com/2019/07/03/arsenal-contact-lyon-over-fekir-deal-but-should-the-gunners-look-elsewhere/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Charlie Smith"
section: "Articles"
published: "2019-07-03T10:34:41Z"
modified: "2019-07-03T10:34:41Z"
---

# Arsenal contact Lyon over Fekir deal – but should the Gunners look elsewhere?

Arsenal have contacted Lyon regarding a move for long-term Liverpool target Nabil Fekir – but should the Gunners be looking elsewhere?

According to French outlet [L’Equipe, cited by the Liverpool Echo](https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/liverpool-transfer-news-live-ousmane-16499658), the Gunners have initiated contact with the Ligue 1 side, however, they haven’t made a formal offer for the creative playmaker.

The report suggests that Arsenal are waiting to move on the likes of Mesut Ozil, which would then free up a deal for Fekir.

![Alex Grimm/Getty Images Sport](https://cdn.readeverything.co/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/1058683044.jpg)

Unai Emery has been given a transfer budget of just £45m this summer, and it is likely a deal for Fekir could [cost the Gunners up to £30m](https://readarsenal.com/2019/07/01/arsenal-offered-bargain-fekir-deal-should-they-pay-the-money/), a figure cheaper than a fee Liverpool nearly paid for the playmaker last summer.

Arsenal need to recruit well ahead of the new season if they are to have any chance of building on Emery’s first season, with defensive reinforcements a priority for the Spaniard.

However, if the Gunners can sell Ozil, who doesn’t appear to fit Emery’s system, a move for Fekir could prove to be an excellent piece of business.

The 2018 World Cup winner, who does have his injury problems, could be the missing link going forward for Arsenal if kept fully fit.

It appears that a lot needs to go the Gunners’ way to complete a deal for Fekir, however, it looks like Arsenal are keen on the French playmaker.