Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has revealed that the club have received "proposals" to sign midfielder Lucas Paqueta this summer. Arsenal are one of the sides heavily linked with a move for the Brazilian.
It comes as Mikel Arteta looks to continue the club’s forward momentum, despite disappointment in missing out on the top four late in the previous campaign. Instead of dwelling on what could have been, the Spaniard has been hard at work strengthening his options for the upcoming season.
Four signings have already made the switch, including Gabriel Jesus in a deal worth £45million from Manchester City. While the issue of a centre-forward and some general depth around the squad has been solved, there are still concerns about other areas.
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The midfield, in particular, could be somewhere Arteta looks to bolster. Last season saw some struggles over his two deeper players in the centre of the park, with Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka the usual pairing.
Beyond those two though, there were limited combinations the manager could use at his disposal. A number of players have been linked with solving that, from Youri Tielemans to Lucas Paqueta.
The latter is the most recent name in the frame, with GOAL reporting that Edu has spoken to the Brazilian’s camp over a transfer. Lyon are said to be holding out for €80million (£68million).
Amid those reports, the president of the French club, Jean-Michel Aulas, revealed interest in the midfielder last weekend: “There are proposals for him [Paqueta]. There are certain players who can feel complete in the project, and others who don’t.
“Economically, we have the means to pursue our ideas and objectives. The coach gave us his opinion and there is also what the players wants to do.”
It remains to be seen whether a deal can be agreed between the two clubs as the Gunners continue their summer spending spree in search of a top four finish.
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