Yoann Gourcuff Would Take Pay Cut to Join Arsenal, Says Lyon President

Lyon President Jean-Michel Aulas says that French attacking midfielder Yoann Gourcuff would be willing to take a salary cut to play for Arsenal.

The 27-year-old is currently at Lyon, but is interested in leaving the club where he’s currently making £80,000 per week in wages.

Aulas said:

“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.

“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.

“We can’t change the contract. The only solution is to extend it.

“If there’s someone to criticise for his salary, it’s me. I signed it, that contract, with his agent.”

Whether or not Arsenal would want to sign Gourcuff is not known, but the Gunners already have several playmakers in their side.

What are your thoughts about Gourcuff? Should Arsenal put in a bid for him, and — if so — where do you see him fitting in to the Arsenal side, and who would he replace? Share your insights in the comments section below.