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Arsenal are confident of agreeing personal terms with Lyon star Lucas Paqueta, according to journalist Ben Jacob.
THE LOWDOWN: PAQUETA WANTS LYON EXIT
According to reports, Lucas Paqueta has informed Lyon’s hierarchy that he wants a move away from the club. The 24-year-old Brazilian joined the French club in September 2020 from Milan.
The Brazilian international enjoyed a great 2021/22 campaign, scoring 11 goals and contributing seven assists in all competitions.
During his time at the club, the 24-year-old, who is currently valued at €35 million by Transfermarkt, has scored 21 goals and provided 13 assists in 71 appearances across all competitions.
Lyon reportedly want £67.5 million for the midfielder, with several Premier League clubs on the queue for his signature. However, reports have also claimed that the Ligue 1 side could accept a lower price from interested clubs.
Reliable journalist Ben Jacob has claimed that Lyon could accept offers around £55 million, with Arsenal confident of agreeing personal terms with the Brazilian
THE LATEST: ARSENAL HOLD ADVANTAGE BUT MIGHT BE OUTPRICED
According to Ben Jacob on Twitter:
“Lyon will seriously consider offers for Lucas Paqueta for £55m (€65m). Jean-Michel Aulas will not hold out for the near £70 million price-tag he quoted in January.
“Lyon accept Paqueta wants to leave this window & won’t stand in his way if they receive a satisfactory offer.”
“Arsenal, Newcastle and Roma amongst three clubs to have enquired. Arsenal feel confident they can persuade the Brazilian to join and want player buy-in first.
“Edu believes the asking price is a little inflated and won’t get sucked into a bidding war.”
THE VERDICT: ARSENAL DON’T HAVE TO PAY OVER THE TOP
Lucas Paqueta is clearly a talented player and he enjoyed great form last season. He will add more creativity to the Arsenal side and settle in quickly due to the Brazilian contingency at the club.
However, Arsenal do not have to get sucked into a bidding war by Lyon. The Gunners still have the option of Youri Tielemans, who is willing to make the move from Leicester City. The Belgian is valued at around £30 million by Leicester, according to reports.
Arsenal need to make a quick decision on their midfield option and get the move over the line.
For Lyon, it would be difficult to find any interested party to match their asking price and there is a growing sense that Paqueta could leave for way lower. In similar fashion to Houssem Aouar, Arsenal could yet pass up the option of another talented playmaker from Lyon.
