TalkSPORT reporter Alex Crook has told Give Me Sport that Arsenal are ‘favourites’ to sign Lyon attacker Lucas Paqueta this summer – with the Brazilian higher up Mikel Arteta’s shortlist than Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.
Paqueta, 24, has spent the past two seasons at Ligue 1 club Lyon, having a hand in 34 goals during 77 appearances. In that time, the Brazil international has become a regular with his country – and has three years left on his deal.
Reports state that Paqueta has told Lyon he wants to leave the Ligue 1 club this summer. Meanwhile, another report says that Lyon want £55million for the ex-Flamengo attacker if he is to depart Lyon three years before his deal ends.
- Newcastle and Tottenham want Leeds star, but Elland Road is his best move
- Robin Koch an unsung hero at right-back in Leeds’ final games of 21/22
Arsenal are not the only club showing interest in Paqueta – with Tottenham and Manchester City also keen. Now, Crook says Arsenal are leading the way and they want the playmaker even more so than Lazio’s Milinkovic-Savic.
“I think speaking to people in South America they [Arsenal] are the favourites for Paquetá if he leaves, which I think is still a fairly big if. I think he’s higher up on their list of targets than Milinković-Savić.”
Crook: Arsenal favourites to sign Paqueta
Indeed, it makes more sense for Paqueta to go to Arsenal than Tottenham or Manchester City. Arsenal do have Fabio Vieira and Martin Odegaard, but both are suited to play as a box-to-box in a 4-2-3-1 alongside an anchor.
They lack a 10. Emile Smith-Rowe has been excellent, but right now seems to be first replacement for Gabi Martinelli. Bukayo Saka is unrivalled on the right. The Gunners need a top class 10 and Paqueta is that man.
His game time would be intermittent at Manchester City and Spurs have just signed Richarlison. A move to Arsenal would see him start week in, week out. That, and link up with numerous Brazilian players at The Emirates.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
