Lyon chief Bruno Cheyrou has admitted the club "need to reduce the squad size" amid rumours linking talisman Lucas Paqueta with Arsenal.
The Gunners are reportedly interested in signing Paqueta, who has three years remaining on his existing deal. Technical director Edu has revealed he's a big fan of the 33-cap Brazil international, 24, but claims Arsenal will not make a bid before September.
Paqueta joined Lyon from AC Milan two years ago and has since scored 21 goals in all competitions. He was named in Ligue 1's Team of the Year after his debut season in France and was part of the Brazil squad that won the Copa America on home soil in 2019.
Lyon are struggling financially and Cheyrou, who is their head of recruitment and technical advisor, has said they may need to sanction some sales this summer. Paqueta is valued at £31.5million by Transfermarkt, although he would likely be more expensive.
"We need to reduce the squad size," recently admitted former Liverpool and Marseille midfielder Cheyrou, as quoted by The Metro. "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 [owner] Jean-Michel Aulas and [technical director] 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."
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When asked directly about Paqueta's potential exit, Cheyrou said: "We are prepared for every eventuality."
Paqueta started his career at Flamengo before joining Milan in January 2019. "I’m very respectful when I talk about Lucas," said Edu while discussing Paqueta's future. "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 as of today, the reality is that there's not even a conversation to sign him. There's nothing as we've many players in that position, that's it... can't say more."
Arsenal have already spent more than £100m on transfers this window, bringing in Fabio Vieira, Marquinhos, Matt Turner, Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko. They also splashed the cash the previous summer, investing more than £140m in the squad.
Mikel Arteta's side finished fifth in the Premier League last season, two points behind bitter rivals Tottenham in fourth. They haven't competed in the Champions League since the 2016/17 campaign and are hoping to end that run in the near future.
"I give to the club a five-year plan," Edu recently told The Athletic. "I said to Mikel and to the board: 'Guys, 2022-23 will be the season we’re going to be much better'. We have to be patient… It would be impossible to take everyone out and put everyone in, we need a process to do that."
