Lucas Paqueta has featured as one of the most talked about names regarding Arsenal’s transfer targets this summer. A goalscoring midfielder that dominated Ligue 1, in particular the first half of the season.
Arsenal have plenty of attacking options thus far, but it has not prevented them from being talked about as being interested in the Brazilian. Lyon’s openness to a deal is perhaps one of the biggest driving forces behind the connections being made.
Lyon's head of recruitment Bruno Cheyrou was speaking about Lyon’s squad structure as reported by GFFN. He admitted that the squad will be reduced in size and that sales would be considered individually.
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“We need to reduce the squad size. 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 Jean-Michel Aulas and 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.”
Cheyrou was pushed on Lucas Paqueta. Specifically, about the possibility that he could move on, and he replied: “ We are prepared for every eventuality.”
Edu has so far denied that talks between the club and the player are taking place despite widespread reports of interest. Although he did admit he has an admiration for the Brazilian.
“I’m very respectful when I talk about Lucas,” Edu told TNT Sports Brazil via the Express. “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 today, there really isn’t any kind of talk, there’s only my admiration for the player, because the squad today is, in the position he plays, I think we’re very well served in this regard.”
This admiration could yet turn into a potential offer in the future if Edu and Mikel Arteta agree that Paqueta is a player they would like to add to the squad. In the case of this, discussions with the Lyon midfielder will be key as to whether they progress with a potential deal.
Edu spoke recently about a conversation with another potential target in Germany that he decided against signing after their talk. He highlighted the focus on money to be one of the reasons behind it.
“I faced an experience like this, for a player in Dortmund. I started to talk to them, engage the player, talk to the family, but always, ‘Yeah, but what about my contract?’. I said, ‘Listen, I want to understand first if you engage with this, if you like this. If you like it, I can talk, but not the opposite side’.
“‘Ah no, let’s talk about the money…’ No, no, no, no. And one day, I said to the agent: ‘Guys, thank you very much, it’s not what I want to do’. Boom.”
There have been reports that one of the reasons Paqueta is willing to leave Lyon is to take the next step not just competitively but financially according to UOL Sport. He reduced his wage when moving from Milan to Lyon and this factors into his decision.
In any future discussions with Edu, it is clear though that Paqueta would have to demonstrate a priority of wanting to succeed at Arsenal and help the club further its goals. A hint that financial incentives are at the forefront of the 24-year-old’s mind could see Edu turn away from an agreement.
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