Arsenal face a huge complication in their transfer pursuit of Lyon playmaker Lucas Paqueta.
The Gunners have been heavily linked with a move for the Brazilian star this summer as Mikel Arteta looks to add more quality to his attacking options. Technical director Edu Gaspar has been busy in the summer transfer window, securing deals for Gabriel Jesus, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Fabio Vieira, Matt Turner and Marquinhos.
Lyon's head of recruitment Bruno Cheyrou responded to Edu's recent comments on Paqueta by admitting the French side need to trim the squad and that the club are 'prepared for every eventuality' when asked about the Brazilian's immediate future. Despite these comments opening the door for Arsenal to make a move for the 24-year-old, the north Londoners still need to clear a major obstacle in their pursuit of Paqueta.
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According to CBS Sports journalist Ben Jacobs, via the Express, Lyon's incoming new owner John Textor is keen on retaining 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.”
The Brazilian forward is open to a fresh challenge this summer which is a positive for Arsenal should they look to make a move for Paqueta. The 24-year-old is under contract with the Ligue 1 side until 2025 meaning it could take a significant fee to bring Paqueta to the Emirates Stadium this summer should Edu and Arteta decide to turn their interest into a formal bid for the player.
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