Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing Brazilian midfielder Lucas Paqueta, valued at €70 million by West Ham United.
According to a report from Fichajes, Lucas Paqueta is on Mikel Arteta’s shortlist. And Arsenal will face competition from Newcastle United for the services of the 25-year-old West Ham midfielder. The Brazilian international is valued at €70 million.
But the hefty price tag does not seem to bother Arsenal, who might be willing to pay the price. The 25-year-old has a contract with West Ham until the summer of 2027, and the Hammers have been hugely disappointing this season. A player of Paqueta’s quality will want to play at the highest level.
A move to Arsenal would be a major step up in the player’s career, and the Brazilian international midfielder is likely to be tempted to join them. The Gunners are well-placed to win the Premier League title this season. And they will be an attractive proposition for most players.
It is no secret that they will need to add more quality and depth through their midfield. And they tried to sign Moises Caicedo from Brighton last month. But Arsenal also have other midfielders on their radar, including Sergej Milinkovic-Savic. And Paqueta has emerged as a viable target as well.
Meanwhile, Newcastle United need to add more depth and quality to their midfield as well. And they certainly have the finances to compete with Arsenal for the Brazilian. Paqueta will add a defensive cover, drive and goals from the midfield. The Magpies are prepared to spend close to the player’s €70 million valuation, as per the report.
The 25-year-old has settled in well since moving to the Premier League at the start of the season. And he should be able to make an immediate impact at Arsenal or Newcastle. The player has contributed to five goals across all competitions, and he did reasonably well at the 2022 FIFA World Cup as well.
West Ham are in the relegation battle this season and will struggle to hold on to players of his quality if they go down to the Championship. The Brazilian international midfielder is entering his peak years and has the quality to justify the €70 million asking price. Newcastle and Arsenal could certainly use someone like him, and he would be a solid long-term investment for them.
