Arsenal are on the hunt for new midfield signings in order to bolster Mikel Arteta’s options in the middle of the park. Youri Tielemans has been the player most spoken about to fill this void, but alternatives have also had a strong mention.
One player that had been strongly linked to the club in the recent week was Lucas Paqueta from Lyon. The Brazilian is looking to leave the French side, and Arsenal were quoted as being one of the midfielder’s potential destinations.
However, recent reported developments about a potential move to Arsenal have been squashed. This could suggest that the Gunners have decided to reignite their interest in Tielemans or are looking elsewhere for another transfer.
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A price tag for the Brazil international varies as The Chronicle report Paqueta could cost as much as £58million - with Newcastle United also being linked. However, Media Foot have a much lower price of 50m euros (£42.9m) as their valuation of what Lyon would accept. The Gunners are 'pushing' hard to beat Newcastle United to sign the Lyon star, according to French outlet Media Foot.
Mikel Arteta has had problems with the midfield this season due to the lack of quality in squad depth, and that has hindered the club’s progress at times. If the Spaniard opts for three players in the centre of midfield then Paqueta would be an excellent option to have on the right-hand side for the future.
Arsenal have attempted to sign midfielders from Lyon in the past in Bruno Guimaraes and Houssem Aouar. So, if the club does pursue a deal for Paqueta, then Edu must ensure that the club avoids embarrassment for the third time.
Paqueta joined the Ligue 1 side from AC Milan ahead of the 2019/2020 season and has since then gone on to make 64 appearances, scoring 18 goals while providing 11 assists in the process. Arsenal certainly needs to add to their midfield firepower, and Paqueta would certainly be a good signing if he is available and there is an extra incentive to beat Newcastle to his signature after they stole Guimaraes.
However, it seems the Gunners will be avoiding a transfer as British journalist Freddie Paxton reported that he spoke to the agent of Paqueta, Eduardo Huram, who claimed that Arsenal have not made any official offers to sign the Brazilian.
This could suggest that Arsenal are set to reignite their interest in Tielemans. Ben Jacobs of CBS Sports has also said that the player is 'sold on' a move to Arteta's side and is 'waiting' for a deal to be agreed. Tielemans is due to be available at a cut-price fee of around £30 million, and although Manchester United are interested in taking him to Old Trafford, if the Gunners do decide to make a move for him, they're expected to be favourites in the race.
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