Arsenal have been handed a major boost in the race to sign Lucas Paqueta after Olympique Lyon transfer chief Bruno Cheyrou dropped an intriguing hint. The Brazil international has been heavily linked with an exit from the French giants, with the Gunners keeping tabs on the situation.
Paqueta, who see his contract at the Groupama Stadium expire in 2025, featured 34 times for Lyon in Ligue 1 last season, directly contributing towards 14 goals from a handful of positions across the pitch. Despite the 24-year-old's impressive displays for Peter Bosz's side, 'Les Gones' failed to qualify for European competitions.
With the financial implications in mind, as well as France's dawning financial crisis, Lyon's head of recruitment has insisted that the squad needs trimming. Cheyrou added by outlining that offers for players will be assessed 'on a case-by-case basis' and the 'economics' of a deal will be considered.
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As quoted by the Metro, Cheyrou said: "We need to reduce the squad size. In terms of departures, we will analyse offers on a case-by-case basis but the economics will come into consideration.
"We will consider the offers with Jean-Michel Aulas and Vincent Ponsot in order to make the best decisions. I am here to ensure the best team possible, but there are other things to take into account as well."
Paqueta has been valued at £59million by CIES Football Observatory, though Arsenal have already spent north of £120million this summer. When asked about the prospect of Paqueta's exit, he added: "We are prepared for every eventuality."
Cheyrou's admission follows Edu's admission confessing his fondness of the all-action midfielder. Speaking to TNT Sports Brazil, Arsenal's technical director said: "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."
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