Arsenal have been warned by Lyon over a move for their playmaker Clement Grenier, after Arsene Wenger admitted his interest in the youngster, comparing him to Samir Nasri.
The Gunners are expected to be one of the busier sides this summer, with Wenger given a considerable budget to bring in quality players.
The Arsenal manager, who usually never gives anything away when it comes to transfer targets, expressed his admiration for Grenier, who has had a breakout season with Lyon in Ligue 1.
"We are following him," Wenger told Telefoot. "His intelligence of play pleases me. He has interesting qualities. He reminds me of Nasri."
Wenger, though, does not have a great relationship with Jean-Michel Aulas, and the Lyon president was quick to warn Arsenal over a move for Grenier, who has also been compared to the French club's legend Juninho, due to the 22-year-old's prowess in deadball situations.
"Clement said to me that he will give priority to Lyon if we qualify for the Champions League," Aulas told Canal+. "So I prefer (to listen to) what he said, rather than what Arsene Wenger said.
"If Arsene wants to have an idea of Grenier's price, I will tell him that it is the same as what Bayern Munich paid for Mario Gotze -- around €37 million (£31 million, $47 million)."
It is questionable whether Arsenal need another attacking midfielder in their squad, even if Grenier can be looked at as an investment for the future.
The priority right not for the Gunners should be strengthening their armory up front, with the likes of Stevan Jovetic, Gonzalo Higuain and David Villa being looked at, while Wenger is also keen on bringing in an experienced goalkeeper and defensive midfielder.
Arsenal are also reportedly close to sealing a move for Swansea defender Ashley Williams, after reportedly agreeing personal terms with the 28-year-old Welsh international.
If indeed the move goes through, then it will put serious doubts on skipper Thomas Vermaelen's future, unless of course Wenger plans to play the Belgian in a defensive midfield position ahead of the back-four.
