Arsenal remain interested in Lucas Paqueta, with Lyon keeping their options open with the midfielder, and could seek a significant transfer fee from suitors.
According to Media Foot Marseille, Lucas Paqueta has emerged as a potential target for Arsenal as Mikel Arteta continues to search for midfield solutions. The Brazilian will cost more than €50 million and is reportedly interested in this Gunners project.
Arsenal have found the solution for their offensive problems in the market with the signing of Gabriel Jesus but continue to look for another attacker from wide areas. The club are busy in finding alternatives to Raphinha and, in the meantime, continue to search for a new midfielder.
New signing Fabio Vieira will provide sufficient backup for Martin Odegaard, although the former Porto star could also slot in a deeper midfield position. But, Mikel Arteta seeks a viable option for the left-interior midfield position, with Youri Tielemans their primary target.
The Gunners have been delaying in making an offer for the Belgian international. But, with stories linking Lyon midfielder Lucas Paqueta emerging, a move for Tielemans could halt. The 24-year-old Brazilian star has been on Arsenal’s radar since January, and the club will look to enquire about his availability in this window.
Paqueta has tremendous interest from Premier League clubs, and Arsenal are looking to explore the possibility of signing him. Arteta wants to be convinced the player wants to join his project, and only after that will Arsenal make a definitive offer.
Lyon are convinced Paqueta wants to continue at the club as he is considered central to their project. However, the French giants are open to entertaining bids if the Brazilian wants quit the side. The midfielder is reportedly sold on Arteta’s ideas for the future and may agree on a move.
Lyon will demand a fee over €50 million, which may make Arsenal reconsider their approach. The Brazilian has a contract until 2025, although his price tag is significantly higher than that of Tielemans.
The French side have doubts about whether Arsenal could realistically afford Paqueta in this window. The Gunners have shown their capability in this market by signing several players, although it’s unclear whether the club can commit a high fee to the Brazilian midfielder. However, as things stand, Arsenal are intent on signing Paqueta and ready to make a push, but only after confirming that the player wants to move.
