Arsenal's summer transfer window got off to a rapid start, with technical director Edu signing five players in the first six weeks.
Marquinhos, Matt Turner, Fabio Vieira, Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko all arrived in north London for a combined £110 million but there have been no arrivals in the last three weeks. Still, the Gunners continue to be linked with a number of central midfielders, including Lyon's Lucas Paqueta.
The Brazilian international was outstanding throughout the 2021/22 season, attracting interest from all over Europe and football.london has now rounded up all the latest speculation linking the 24-year-old with a move to the Emirates Stadium.
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West Ham bid
Premier League rivals West Ham have made a bid for Lucas Paqueta, according to reports from Sky Sports journalist Dharmesh Sheth. The report claims that the agents of the Brazil international are in London to try and conclude a deal before the window shuts next week.
The Hammers are said to have made a bid worth €40million (£34million) to land his signature.
January plan
Transfer guru Sacha Tavolieri has claimed that Paqueta is Edu's midfield priority ahead of Leicester City's Youri Tielemans, although he also admitted that he thinks a January move is more likely. Writing on Twitter, Tavolieri said: "My feeling is that #Arsenal will wait the winter for trying to get Lucas Paqueta (who’s the real priority of Edu Gaspar in the midfield) as there is no real need at this position for the moment.
"So Youri is interesting for #AFC, but not priority."
Arsenal face huge 'complication'
According to CBS Sports journalist Ben Jacobs, via the Express, Lyon owner John Textor is keen on retaining Lucas Paqueta this summer.
Speaking to NUFC Matters, Jacobs said: "What complicates that challenge even more is that Jean-Michel Aulas may be saying that he’s willing to sell, but John Textor is the American incoming majority owner at Lyon who doesn’t yet have a say.
"He’s the one that has stated on record that Lyon are going to compete with PSG, which is a massive claim. I don’t think Textor wants Paqueta to go and the challenge will be agreeing a deal with Lyon.”
Lyon response to Edu claims
Lyon's recruitment chief Bruno Cheyrou has now responded to Edu's comments on Paqueta, giving the Gunners encouragement that a deal can be struck by hinting the Brazilian will move on. “We need to reduce the squad size,” Cheyrou said at a press conference, via 90Min.
“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.” On Paqueta's future with the French side, the official added: “We are prepared for every eventuality.”
Edu admission
Arsenal director Edu has admitted that he admires Paqueta, but a move for the Brazilian may be unlikely. "I’m very respectful when I talk about Lucas," Edu told TNT Sports Brazil. "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 today, there really isn’t any kind of talk, there’s only my admiration for the player, because the squad today is, in the position he plays, I think we’re very well served in this regard."
Mikel Arteta's verdict
Arsenal manager Arteta is pushing for a deal to bring Paqueta to the Emirates Stadium, according to French outlet Media Foot. The Spaniard is said to be a huge fan of the versatile midfielder, who provided 18 direct goal contributions across all competitions last term.
It is also claimed that the Gunners have a great relationship with Lyon, something that could make negotiating for the player a lot easier.
Negotiation boost
According to UOL, Paqueta's entourage have urged Lyon to accept a fair price for the player considering he accepted a pay cut when he arrived at the Groupama Stadium from AC Milan back in 2020. Arsenal will hope that this argument could help them land the talented playmaker for less than Les Gones' current asking price.
Player stance
French outlet L'Equipe have reported that Paqueta has asked to leave Lyon this summer. It is also claimed that the Ligue 1 outfit will let the talented playmaker leave should a suitable offer arrive.
Speaking about the player's future, Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas told Goal France: "There are offers for him.
"There are some players who can feel fully fulfilled by the project, and others who can’t. Economically, we have the means to pursue our ideas and our objectives."
Asking price
According to The Chronicle, Paqueta could cost as much as £58million in this window. However, French outlet Media Foot claims that Lyon would accept just €50million (£42.9million) for the 24-year-old.
Arsenal 'pushing hard'
Arsenal are 'pushing' hard to beat Newcastle United to sign Lyon star Paqueta, according to French outlet Media Foot. The Tyneside-based club have been heavily linked with a move for the Brazilian international just six months after bringing his countryman and close friend Bruno Guimaraes to St. James' Park during the January transfer window.
The Magpies are said to have made a £34million offer for the Brazilian international but it is also claimed that the north Londoners are working hard to try and convince Paqueta to join them this summer.
Thierry Henry praise
Arsenal icon Thierry Henry has made it no secret of his admiration for the player in the past. Speaking about Paqueta to Amazon Prime Video, via Foot Radio, back in October of last year, the Frenchman said: "It’s early but frankly what he’s doing… we talked about it after his match at the Parc des Princes.
"Yes, I like dribbling and blind passes, but what I like is his desire, his activity, his selflessness, his commitment. In general, this is not the case with all Brazilians.
"A player who is fine is a little harder to replace or he is less at the service of the team when he does not have the ball. What impresses me with this player is that he does both with a smile.
"He defends and attacks with a smile. For me, that’s why we can already speak of one of the best players in the championship."
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