Houssem Aouar in action against Bayern Munich. He is one of those players who could well now be sold by a Lyon side deprived of Champions League football in the new season
Houssem Aouar in action against Bayern Munich. He is one of those players who could well now be sold by a Lyon side deprived of Champions League football in the new season POOL / Miguel A. Lopes

In its attempt to bolster the midfield, Arsenal is expected to work on a few transfer deals this summer.

Following an underwhelming campaign, Arsenal found itself out of the UEFA Champions League this season.

However, rumors swirl that the Gunners have already started identifying potential departees and signings.

Among the players likely to leave the Emirates Stadium at the end of the season is Brazilian midfielder Willian, per famed transfer insider Fabrizio Romano.

According to Romano, Arsenal is currently “waiting” for concrete offers from clubs interested in the two-time English Premier League champion with MLS side Inter Miami amongst the early suitors.

“After David Luiz, also Willian is expected to leave Arsenal this summer,” Romano tweeted. “There’s interest from European clubs and from MLS--Inter Miami wanted him last summer. Arsenal is waiting for official bids.”

The 32-year-old is widely considered as one of the best midfielders in the Premier League.

However, he failed to make his mark on Arsenal, having registered only one goal and five assists in 34 matches across all competitions.

Despite the drastic drop in form and the transfer rumors, Willian insisted that he is looking forward to winning with Arsenal.

“Well, my plan is to stay at Arsenal, I have a contract here, and to win trophies,” he told Arsenal’s official matchday programme. “I have two more years here and my plan is to stay and be successful, to play and win something with the club.”

“I still want to achieve a lot of things,” Willian added. “Want to win more trophies, and I want to be at the next World Cup. I’ll do my best to be there. But, yeah, I want to lift trophies for Arsenal – I have a lot of things in my mind that I want to achieve.”

Should Willian, who is Arsenal’s third highest-paid player of the season, complete his exit, Arsenal will surely have enough funds to land another huge signing in the next transfer window.

Willian of Arsenal

Willian of Arsenal Photo: Getty Images | Visionhaus

It can be recalled that Arsenal was linked to both Willian and Lyon star Houssem Aouar last summer. However, only the former managed to seal a deal with Mikel Arteta’s side.

An earlier report stated that the Frenchman’s price tag has been significantly reduced.

With two years still left in his contract with Lyon, Aouar--who was previously worth €60 million ($73 million)--is now likely to be available for half the said figure.

With that in mind, Arsenal will be looking to take advantage of the situation and launch another bid for Aouar, according to a series of reports obtained by HITC.