Mikel Arteta is looking to strengthen his midfield options in the summer, and as a result, plenty of names have been mooted. The latest of those mentioned is Lyon midfielder Lucas Paqueta.
The £31.5million-rated star - as valued by transfermarkt - has been strongly linked with a move to the Premier League, with financial giants Newcastle United also said to be interested in attaining his services. Nevertheless, if the Gunners can creep into the Champions League places before the season is out, the project under Arteta may seem that little bit more appealing.
Technical director Edu is keen to bolster Arteta's squad and football.london understands that the Brazilian will look to sign at least one attacker and midfielder this summer. With that all in mind, let's take a look at all the latest news linking Paqueta with a move to the Emirates Stadium.
READ MORE: Arsenal handed major transfer boost as Gabriel responds to latest Barcelona links
Paqueta's ambition
To make matters more difficult for Arsenal, the midfielder has previously committed to an ambitious future at the club. Speaking to Amazon in January, he said: "I want to write history with Lyon. I will do everything to win titles, to engrave my name in the history of this club."
Ways Arsenal could line-up with Paqueta
football.london has detailed two different ways Arsenal could line up if they were able to complete a £58million deal for the 24-year-old this summer. Paqueta is predominantly a midfielder, but he has operated further upfield at times this season, starting as a frontman six times across all competitions. In fact, the silky playmaker was awarded the Ligue 1 player of the month for his performances in October of last year, a month that saw him starting as a striker on three occasions.
Take a look at how he could be used here.
Henry verdict
Thierry Henry is a huge admirer of Paqueta. Speaking to Amazon Prime Video, via Foot Radio, back in October of last year, he said: "It’s early, but frankly what he’s doing… we talked about it after his match at the Parc des Princes.
"Yes, I like dribbling and blind passes, but what I like is his desire, his activity, his selflessness, his commitment. In general, this is not the case with all Brazilians. A player who is fine is a little harder to replace, or he is less at the service of the team when he does not have the ball. What impresses me with this player is that he does both with a smile. He defends and attacks with a smile. For me, that’s why we can already speak of one of the best players in the championship."
PSG U-turn
The current Ligue 1 leaders were thought to be in the driving seat to secure Paqueta's signature, but Italian outlet Calciomercato have now claimed that the French giants believe Lyon's asking price is too high. That leaves the door open for Arsenal to take control of the race should they wish.
Read more via this link.
£58million fee
As per our colleagues at the Chronicle, Newcastle could be looking to trump Arsenal for a second time this year if they push on to sign Bruno Guimaraes' old teammate, Paqueta. It is understood that there is a £58million asking price for the Brazilian, while wages could come in at £180,000 per week.
