Arsenal have reportedly set their sights on a January move for Paris Saint-Germain outcast Lucas Moura
Premier League giants Arsenal are eyeing up a swoop for Brazilian winger Lucas Moura, who has been deemed surplus to requirements by Paris Saint-Germain, as per reports from ESPN.
The 25-year old is very much eager to seal a move away from the Parc des Princes before the end of the January transfer window, as he seeks to improve his chances of making it to the Brazil national team for the FIFA World Cup in Russia in the summer.
The former Sao Paolo attacker has seen chances come at a premium this season with PSG, having fallen behind the likes of Neymar, Kylian Mbappe, Angel Di Maria in the pecking order. He has made just 6 appearances this term, across all competitions, in which he has scored and assisted one goal apiece.
Lucas had earlier expressed his desire to secure a transfer away from PSG, stating that he would prefer a move to the Premier League. As quoted by ESPN, he said:
“Is there a chance that I stay this winter? I do not think so. With what the coach has said, it looks like this is the end of my Paris story.
“I have offers but I cannot talk about them. I like English football very much, it is truly one of the best leagues in the world.”
A number of English clubs had shown interest in the services of Lucas, with Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur reported as the front-runners.
However, since then, United have turned their attention towards Arsenal’s Alexis Sanchez and are about to complete the transfer for the Chilean, with playmaker Henrikh Mkhitaryan set to move the other way.
And Tottenham have made Bordeaux winger Malcom as their primary target. Arsenal were also in for Malcom, but dropped out of the race, after deeming the player as “too inexperienced.”
Arsenal are considering a deal to sign Lucas Moura, sources close to the player have confirmed to ESPN: https://t.co/qdsOECJZAV pic.twitter.com/LU32Yx6X3S
— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) January 20, 2018
The Gunners are a bit thinly stretched in their options on the right-flank, having sold Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in the summer to Liverpool and Theo Walcott to Everton earlier this month. And with Alexis also on his way out, manager Arsene Wenger is keen on bolstering his attacking options.
Lucas may have struggled to get game time this season, but has proven himself at this level for a number of years already. The Brazilian is a quality operator, who can play anywhere in attack and has the pace, power and the technical ability to be a grand success at the Emirates.
It is understood that Arsenal would prefer signing the 25-year old on loan in January, before making the move a permanent one in the summer. However, PSG are keen on getting a permanent deal done to recoup funds and escape from Financial Fair Play rules, following their huge outlay in the summer.
