Lucas Paqueta reportedly wants to leave Lyon in this window, with Arsenal interested in signing the Brazilian attacking midfielder.
According to CBS Sports, Lucas Paqueta could depart Lyon in this window as several clubs, including Arsenal, remain interested in the attacking midfielder. The Brazilian was earmarked to lead the new project at the French club but may have other ideas to further his career.
Lucas Paqueta’s immediate future could be decided this summer, as the midfielder is reportedly keen on a new challenge away from Lyon. The Brazilian wants to depart the French side in search of a new challenge and there is unlikely to be any shortage of interested parties.
Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas confirmed to have received offers for the attacking midfielder. The club supremo insisted the Brazilian will have to decide, although he sees Paqueta as one of the main players in the new project at the club.
Lyon have reportedly placed a €65 million price tag on the attacking midfielder, with many clubs likely to be wary of paying such a high fee in this market. Arsenal are among the clubs interested in signing Paqueta, with the Gunners reportedly looking at the 24-year-old Brazilian to strengthen their midfield.
Arsenal have been pushing hard to sign the player, although they could hesitate to meet Lyon’s asking price. Paqueta could be considered as an alternative to Raphinha, who remains close to joining Barcelona. Despite the two players operating in completely different positions, the idea is to add more quality to the attacking unit as a whole rather than anything focusing on specific positions.
Paqueta could fit into the left side of Arteta’s midfield three, can operate as a No. 10 and even play as a false-nine as he did for Lyon last term. However, Arsenal’s primary target is Youri Tielemans, who is available for nearly half the price quoted for the Brazilian. There is a belief that the Gunners may end up signing the Belgian from Leicester City, but Paqueta’s desire to leave Lyon could play a part in their plans.
The Brazilian is aware Arsenal cannot offer him Champions League football next season. However, the overall project under Arteta has been quite the attraction for many talents, including Gabriel Jesus, who departed Manchester City for the north Londoners.
Paqueta could operate in multiple positions under Arteta and be a good signing for the Gunners. However, much will depend on the asking price and how much Arsenal might be willing to pay for the Brazilian star. But, the player’s desire to leave Lyon certainly comes as a boost for the Gunners.