Rumour: Arsenal target Maxime Gonalons could leave Olympique Lyonnais in the summer

Long-term Arsenal target Maxime Gonalons has revealed that he could leave Olympique Lyonnais in the summer due to their financial plight.

Traditionally the modern era’s powerhouse of French football, Lyon have been knocked off their perch in recent years by Ligue 1 rivals Paris Saint-Germain and Monaco, who have both benefited from huge financial investment.

Lyon are now expected to be forced to offload their prize assets in the summer in an attempt to balance the books and the 24-year-old midfielder, whose contract expires in 2016, could be available through a cut-price deal, reports Talk Sport.

The club rejected a £14 million bid from Napoli in January but are unlikely to be in a position to turn down a similar sum at the end of the season unless they can secure a spot in next year’s Champions League.

“The financial situation here is very difficult.

“The club is focused on the youth team. This is my fifth season here, I agreed with the president to meet at the end of the season to find the best solution.

“If it is the right time for me, the club will then find an agreement to sell,” Gonalons declared.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is believed to be interested in a deal for his compatriot, but will face competition for his signature from Serie A side Internazionale.