Arsenal technical director Edu has confessed he is a "big fan" of Lyon midfielder and Gunners transfer target Lucas Paqueta but admits a deal for the Brazilian is unlikely.
The Lyon star has attracted plenty of interest from a number of clubs across the continent this summer, including from Premier League clubs - the biggest of whom being the Gunners. Many view Paqueta as the perfect candidate to be the upgrade Arsenal need in midfield due to his supreme technical ability and age profile.
However, Edu has quashed any talk that the 24-year-old is Emirates-bound this summer as he revealed Arsenal have not even contacted Lyon over the possibility of a deal occurring before the window shuts on September 1.
Speaking to TNT Sports Brazil, the Arsenal chief explained: ‘I’m very respectful when I talk about Lucas, I’m a guy who likes him a lot, I’ve always liked him, since my time with Brazil’s national team.
"He’s had a great season, he was considered the best [overseas] player in the French league. But as of today, the reality is that there's not even a conversation to sign him. There's nothing as we've many players in that position, that's it... can't say more."
Paqueta was crowned the best foreign player in Ligue 1 last term, in turn inspiring Lyon to slap a £67.6m price-tag on his head to try and warn off potential suitors - or at the very least receive quite the fee if he were to depart.
There is a chance that the Gunners are spurning a legitimate chance to acquire one of the most highly sought-after midfielders in Europe, especially as Lyon chief Jean-Michel Aulas has admitted he would not stand in Paqueta's way if he registered a desire to leave.
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"There are proposals for him,’ said notoriously difficult operator Aulas. "There are certain players who can feel complete in the project, and others who don’t.
"Economically, we have the means to pursue our ideas and objectives. The coach gave us his opinion and there is also what the players wants to do."
Arsenal are thought to have their eye on other midfield targets - the most notable name being that of Leicester City star and Belgium international Youri Tielemans.
The former Anderlecht man is rumoured to have his heart set on a move to the Gunners this summer, but with just a year left to run on his Foxes contract Arsenal are yet to actually submit an official bid for the 25-year-old.
