Paqueta scored 11 goals and made 7 assists in all competitions for Lyon last season but it was not enough as they finished 8th in Ligue 1
By Kehinde Okeowo
Reports from France suggest Brazil and Lyon playmaker Lucas Paqueta is willing to leave the French club to take on a new challenge, and Arsenal are rumoured to be interested in his services this summer.
The Gunners after securing European campaign this season are targeting new midfield recruits. Having secured the services of Fabio Viera, Leicester Citys’ Youri Tielemans and Paqueta are now said to be on their radar.
According to Mirror, Paqueta’s form caught Edu’s attention and the Arsenal technical director is said to be pushing to get the deal over the line to provide Mikel Arteta with a high-quality option in the centre of the park.
Even though the Brazil international has suggested he is excited by the opportunity to join a new project, he is unlikely to force an exit this summer.
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That is according to Media Foot, which claims The Gunners are leading the race for Paqueta and also reported there is an excellent relationship between the North London club and Ligue 1 outfit,
The report notes that Arsenal are yet to make a formal bid despite the resounding feeling that the player would leap at the chance to join Arteta and Edu at the Emirates Stadium.
There is, however, a concern that Paqueta will not come cheap. Lyon is believed to be valuing the midfielder for €50million (£42m), while other reports put his price tag at £67m.
The 24-year-old Paqueta scored 11 goals and registered seven assists in all competitions for Lyon last season but it was not enough as they finished eighth in Ligue 1.
The gifted midfielder joined the French club from AC Milan in 2020 and has three more years left on his contract at the club.
If Arsenal complete the signing of Paqueta – which still feels some way off – he will become their fifth acquisition of the summer window and will join three other compatriots in the squad