With Arsenal still looking to make its first major splash in the closing transfer window, multiple reports indicate that current Lyon midfielder Yoann Gourcuff could soon be on his way to the Gunners.
According to ESPN FC, the 27-year-old would be willing to take a pay cut in order to join the Premier League club.
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Earning €22 million in 2010 along with a monthly fee of €400,000, Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas would sign off on this type of deal rather than see the highest-paid midfielder in the league head to a direct rival.
"Can you see us paying part of his salary for him to play against us with another French club? We've never considered that and it would even more stupid now than it was a fortnight ago," Aulas said recently. "All that I know, if I understood correctly, is that he was ready to lower his salary to go to Arsenal, but that's not the same thing."
With two years left on his deal -- a contract agreed upon after Gourcuff departed Bordeaux in 2010 -- the midfielder would certainly provide a boost to Arsenal on both ends of the field and he'd be a welcomed addition to a team that finished fourth in the English Premier League a year ago, according to NBC Sports.
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The 27 year old typically plays in the attacking midfield role, just behind the striker or out wide to the left.
His game would fit well with the Gunners, as Gourcuff specializes in quick, short passes, often looking to lay the ball off and receive it back in advanced positions before slipping it into a striker running behind the defense.
At Arsenal, this kind of playmaking ability could be a valuable asset operating behind fellow-countryman Olivier Giroud.
Gourcuff may have a difficult time ousting an in-form Tomas Rosicky from his spot as playmaker but given the Czech international's injury history and Gervinho being sold to Roma, Gourcuff could make an impact in North London.
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Once considered a player comparable to former Real Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane, the Frenchman has been marred with injury throughout his career but despite his ongoing battle with health, Arsenal could surely use a player of his caliber.
Tabbed the Ligue 1 Player of the Year in 2009 along with earning the French Player of the Year award that same season, Gourcuff certainly has a commendable resume and if he is indeed ready to lower his salary, the Gunners could finally have their first major addition this offseason.
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