Arsenal technical director Edu has played down speculation over signing Lyon midfielder Lucas Paqueta. Newcastle United have been persistently linked with the Brazilian since Bruno Guimaraes - his best friend, former club and current international teammate - arrived in January.
The duo were snapped on Tyneside to celebrate Guimaraes’ girlfriend’s birthday celebrations - triggering fan excitement that a move was on the cards. However, talk has cooled, despite reports in France suggesting Lyon would consider a reduced offer.
Similar to the Guimaraes deal in January, Arsenal were reportedly the Magpies’ main rival in the race for Paqueta. Defeating the Gunners again to sign another Brazilian international would be a statement of intent by the new regime at St James’ Park.
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But Edu has suggested talk of a move for the 24-year-old is wide of the mark. Speaking to Brazilian outlet TNT Sports, the director insisted Arsenal are “well-served” in his position.
“I’m very respectful when I talk about Lucas (Paqueta),” he said. “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 (foreign) 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, very well-served in this regard."
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