Lyon recruitment chief Bruno Cheyrou has responded to Arsenal technical director Edu Gaspar's comments on Lucas Paqueta.
The Gunners have been heavily linked with a move for Paqueta this summer as Edu searches for more signings to add to Mikel Arteta's squad. Arsenal have been one of the busiest clubs this summer having already signed Gabriel Jesus, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Fabio Vieira, Matt Turner and Marquinhos, spending over £100million for a second successive summer.
Arsenal had long been linked with a move for Paqueta's teammate Houssem Aouar, but now the Brazilian is seemingly the player the Gunners are interested in most. Reports in France and Brazil have linked the north London outfit with a move for the midfielder this summer, but Edu has denied that talks are taking place in a recent interview.
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Following Edu's comments on Paqueta, Lyon recruitment chief Cheyrou has delivered a major transfer revelation that could see Arsenal change their stance on a deal for the Brazilian playmaker. In a recent press conference, via 90min, Cheyrou said: “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."
Former Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette returned to Lyon this summer following the expiration of his contract at the Emirates Stadium after a five-year spell with the Gunners. Cheyrou admitted there are many factors to take into consideration in the transfer market when commenting on Paqueta's future and if the 24-year-old could head in the opposite direction to Lacazette.
"I am here to ensure the best team possible, but there are other things to take into account as well." Later asked whether Paqueta specifically would be allowed to leave, Cheyrou responded: "We are prepared for every eventuality."
Arteta is keen to add a new attacker to his squad this summer, shown by the club's attempt to sign Raphinha from Leeds before being snubbed by Paqueta's compatriot in favour of a move to Barcelona. football.london understands the Gunners are keen on a move for Gakpo, though the Dutch forward's priority is ensuring he earns a place in the Netherlands squad for the World Cup later this year.
Should Arsenal fail to complete a deal for other alternative targets, Paqueta could become a serious option for Edu in the transfer market. The 24-year-old can play as a centre-forward, No.10 or on the wing and scored 10 goals, providing a further seven assists in 42 appearances last term.
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