Arsenal have reportedly emerged as the front-runners in the race to sign Lyon and Brazil midfielder Lucas Paqueta this summer.
According to Brazilian publication UOL, Arsenal are leading the race to acquire the signing of Lucas Paqueta from Ligue 1 giants Lyon in the ongoing transfer window.
Paqueta joined Lyon in the summer of 2020 after a disappointing spell with AC Milan and has managed to rediscover his mojo since moving to France. The 24-year-old enjoyed an impressive 2021/22 campaign during which he scored 11 and assisted seven goals in 43 matches across all competitions.
Paqueta has grown into a vital part of the team at the Groupama Stadium, but bigger things could be awaiting the Brazilian international this summer. Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has already confirmed that they have received several offers for him this summer, and an exit could be on the cards, with Arsenal seriously interested.
The report states that Arsenal have seemingly emerged as the main contenders to sign Paqueta, with the two boards already in negotiations over a transfer. However, neither party is in a hurry at the moment as there is still a lot of time in the transfer window, and there is not much competition for the Brazilian ace.
It is further claimed that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has given his seal of approval for the deal, with Paqueta even talking with the Gunners’ sporting director Edu. The two clubs are reportedly working on the financial aspects of the agreement, as the Premier League giants deem the demands made by Lyon a bit excessive.
Lyon are reportedly holding out for a sum of €60 million, which would be triple the amount they paid to sign Paqueta from AC Milan. Given that he still has three years on his contract and is coming on the back of an exceptional season, Les Gones deem the valuation to be fair. However, Arsenal are trying to convince Lyon to lower the price tag or accept part of the fee as performance-related bonuses.
Paqueta, for his part, is keen on leaving the club and would be open to the prospect of joining Arsenal, considering that he could play European football. The Gunners can benefit from the Brazilian’s addition, as he can play as a No. 10 or in a withdrawn role in the middle of the park or even slot in as a false-nine. But the two clubs need to strike an agreement over a transfer fee for the deal to progress further.
