Arsenal 's hopes of landing Lyon star Lucas Paqueta have been handed a huge boost with the Ligue 1 side having dropped their excessive demands.
The Gunners have been linked with a move for the Brazilian international this summer, with boss Mikel Arteta keen to add even further to his midfield options despite the prior arrival of Fabio Vieira from Portuguese giants FC Porto.
Leicester star Youri Tielemans has long been linked with a switch to the Emirates Stadium with just one year remaining on his current contract with the Foxes. A deal, though, appears to be dragging on for the Belgian, leading to the Gunners exploring other options.
Paqueta was thought to be among those considered by the club, with fellow Premier League side Newcastle United also interested, but a huge price tag appeared to put the Gunners off. According to previous reports, Lyon were hoping to receive in the region of €80million (£68million) for the midfielder this summer, particularly with the 24-year-old still having three years remaining on his current contract in Ligue 1.
Now though, it appears that Lyon’s demands aren’t anywhere near as high. As per Media Foot, a fee of €40million (£34million) could be enough to see Paqueta make the move to the Emirates Stadium this summer.
The 33-time Brazilian international has certainly managed to renew his career with Lyon. Following a failed move to AC Milan, he arrived in Lyon two years ago and has gone on to register 77 appearances for the club, scoring 21 goals - including 11 last term.
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He struck up an excellent understanding alongside compatriot Bruno Guimaraes - the midfielder having himself made a move to the Premier League in January with a switch to Newcastle United.
Whilst Arsenal debate whether to make a move for Paqueta or not, the Gunners look set to welcome yet another new face to the Emirates Stadium. The north Londoners are currently pursuing the services of Man City star Oleksandr Zinchenko and should a deal be signed off then the Ukrainian would be the second player to swap the Etihad Stadium for the Emirates following the £45m acquisition of forward Gabriel Jesus.
Paqueta would also become the third Brazilian to arrive at the club in the current window with Arsenal having also sealed deals for Sao Paulo youngster Marquinhos and Gabriel Jesus.
In the meantime, questions still remain over the destination of Tielemans. Brendan Rodgers has recently confirmed that little progress has been made over an extended stay in the East Midlands.
He said: “There’s no update at all. He’s an amazing guy to work with. He’s just re-joined the club [for pre-season] and he’s pretty much the same. In training he’s very committed.
“He’s happy in his work and he’s happy at the club. But naturally with a year in his contract he may feel he has to look at everything for him and his family. But I certainly know he’s committed while he is here.”
