Arsenal are considering a fresh bid to sign Lyon star Lucas Paqueta with Edu keen to get the deal over the line.
The Brazilian ace has been linked with a move away to the Premier League all summer with the Gunners amongst a number of Premier League clubs interested in the attacking midfielder. Newcastle United are also keen on the 24-year-old after signing his former teammate Bruno Guimaraes in January.
However, GOAL understands that Arsenal have already informed Paqueta's representatives that they want to formalise a proposal in the current transfer window. Lyon are demanding around £67million for the midfielder, although the Gunners have not made an official offer to sign the player yet.
The French giants must lower their asking price in order for Arsenal to push through with their interest. Paqueta still has three years remaining on his contract with Lyon, so there is no great pressure to sell.
Paqueta came through the academy at Brazilian club Flamengo and spent three years as a professional player there. He made 44 appearances for Milan in an 18-month spell before making the switch to France.
He has been capped 33 times for Brazil, scoring seven goals. His ability to score from midfield has also been prominent at Lyon - something that Arsenal lack with Martin Odegaard grabbing just four goals last term. Having also netted 11 times and grabbing seven assists in 43 games for Lyon last season, Paqueta has got all the qualities to shine for Mikel Arteta's side in the Premier League.
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With Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel, Gabriel Martinelli and Marquinhos already at the club, Paqueta could add to the growing Brazilian contingent at Arsenal. The Gunners signed Jesus from Manchester City last week for a fee of around £45m and Edu outlined his reasoning for signing his compatriot.
He told the Arsenal website: "We are delighted that we have secured the transfer of Gabriel. Everyone who knows football well, knows the qualities of Gabriel Jesus.
"Gabriel is a player who we have admired for a long time now. He is 25 years old and an established Brazil international who has consistently demonstrated that he is a player at a very high level. We look forward to seeing him join up with his new teammates ahead of the new season. We all welcome Gabriel to Arsenal."
Fabio Viera also arrived after he joined the Gunners in a £35m deal from Porto, while Matt Turner has also made the switch following his move from New England Revolution.
