Lyon's Corentin Tolisso 'dreaming' of Arsenal move

Lyon utility player Corentine Tolisso admits clubs like Arsenal make him dream and says he would "love" to move to the Premier League in the future. The 22-year-old has netted five times in 11 appearances this term, from a variety of positions, and already has eyes on his next move.

Tolisso has been with Lyon since 2007, after spells at Stade amplepuisien and FC Pays de L'Arbresle, and in the last three campaigns has become a mainstay of the first team. Having made over a century of appearances for the club since 2013-14 season he is now regarded a key member of the squad at the Stade des Lumieres.

Following an impressive start to the campaign, which has seen him net in Ligue 1 and the Champions League – as well as the French Super Cup defeat to Paris Saint Germain – Tolisso has emerged as one of the stand-out performers in French football. But that has not deterred him from commenting on his future beyond Lyon and says a move to Arsenal would match his ambitions.

"Many clubs make me dream like Real Madrid, FC Barcelona and England with teams like Arsenal," he is quoted as saying by France Football. "I love the Premier League and I think I have the profile. This is the championship that also offers more competition, which is the most open, the most contested and most spectacular.

"I mostly helped out at the beginning of my professional career in the Europe League and Championship. I played left or right side. It is this very versatility that allowed me to start faster by pros. I then follow several matches to these positions. But the coach knows my place and my preference. I'm number eight torchbearer. After, if we occasionally troubleshoot certain positions for the good of the team, I can do it."

Arsenal were given renewed hope of signing Tolisso during the summer after the player withdrew from talks to join Napoli. TalkSport understand the two clubs had settled on a fee worth £31.5m while personal terms had been agreed between the player and the Serie A side.

However, amid reports around the time that Tolisso was interested in a move to Arsenal, he withdrew from the deal and admits to have no regrets. "As soon as I made my decision, all was clear in my head. I quickly turned the page," he added. "The next day I was 100% Lyon. I also made my pre-season in this state mind before the official resumption. I know there were advantages to go there but the OL, for me it is not the money story."