Arsenal Transfer News: Gunners Shouldn't Give Up on Clement Grenier

In what promises to be a busy summer for Arsenal, they recently suffered a minor setback in their quest to gather new talent.

Lyon midfielder Clement Grenier told reporters that Lyon have rejected an offer from Arsenal for his services. Sky Sports delivered the story: 

In the end, this might not be a reversal at all. In his comments, Grenier considered Arsenal to still be a possibility. 

Although I'm sure Lyon would prefer it not be. 

The 22-year-old Grenier emerged as a top-flight midfielder and playmaker last year for Lyon. He became an important part of the team, and Lyon would like him to be part of their future. 

As ESPN reported, "Club president Jean-Michel Aulas declared earlier this week both parties were 'looking at a one-year extension, perhaps more.'"

He may have been getting carried away when he intimated that the desire for a longer extension was coming from both sides. 

As Sky Sports passed along, Grenier told RTL that he will discuss his future with Lyon coach Remi Garde and chairman Jean-Michel Aulas.

"

My decision will be made and announced after the meeting. As soon as I'm 100 percent certain, then I can say more about it. Even for me it's a little complicated.

"

That is not exactly a ringing endorsement for his future at Lyon.

My guess is that Grenier will express his desire to move on. He has a year left on his current deal, and he seems to be fostering some ill will for Lyon's attempt to sell him prior to the start of last year. 

As ESPN noted, the club was prepared to sell Grenier to Nice but decided not to when Yoann Gourcuff was injured. 

Grenier hinted at this in this quote to L'Equipe, which ESPN passed along:

"

Lyon is their life and it's mine for the moment. Of course I can put myself in their position. Conversely, things happened at the start of the season, and they can also put themselves in my shoes.

"

Again, that doesn't sound like he's looking forward to staying at Lyon.

Grenier is entering the prime of his career, and I have to imagine he would relish the opportunity to flash his skills as an integral member of Arsenal. 

Obviously, the Gunners will still have to deal with Lyon to make this potential pairing a reality, but the club would be wise to continue to pursue Grenier.