Nottingham Forest ‘agree personal terms with long-term Arsenal target Houssem Aouar’ but yet to strike deal with Lyon

NOTTINGHAM FOREST have reportedly agreed personal terms with Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar.

The Frenchman, 24, has been a linked with a move to the Premier League for years.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was understood to be very keen on the prospect of a swoop until recently, but The Gunners opted to sign Fabio Vieira from Porto instead.

Nottingham Forest have since identified Aouar as a top transfer target.

And according to , they are edging closer to completing a deal for the sought-after midfielder.

Forest have already agreed personal terms with Aouar, who was claimed to have been 'seduced' during talks with the club's management team.

However, an agreement has not yet been reached with Lyon.

The Ligue 1 side have already rejected two offers from Nottingham Forest.

But, given that Aouar has just entered the final year of his contract, Lyon are expecting just £12.6million for their midfield maestro.

Forest have been one of the Premier League's biggest spenders in this summer's transfer window.

Steve Cooper has already introduced 15 new players to his squad since gaining promotion from the Championship to England's top tier.

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But, he is still eyeing up at least three more additions, including Aouar.

Forest are also pushing to sign Neal Maupay from Brighton.

The striker was left out of Graham Potter's squad last weekend after talks over a proposed £15m move began to advance.

However, Everton and Fulham are now attempting to hijack the deal.