Paris Saint-Germain are cooling their pursuit of Lucas Paqueta as the Ligue 1 side’s director of football believes Lyon’s asking price for the reported Arsenal transfer target is excessive.
That’s according to Calciomercato, who report Leonardo is currently unwilling to rise to Les Gones’ demands for the Brazil midfielder. PSG admire what Paqueta could bring to Le Parc des Princes in the off-season, and had marked the 24-year-old as their top summer target.
But Paris Saint-Germain will not advance their interest at present, after learning Lyon want €70m (£58m) to grant Paqueta’s exit. The Groupama Stadium outfit are under no pressure to sell to their rival, with the 31-cap ace under contract in the south of France until 2025.
Lyon have set Paqueta’s asking price as such as the Rio de Janerio native has offered Peter Bosz’s side nine goals and six assists so far this season, across all competitions. Seven of his goals and five assists have come in Ligue 1, with the remainder in Europa League ties.
His efforts have additionally attracted interest from outside of the French top-flight ahead of the summer sales. Calciomercato previously noted Arsenal also like Paqueta while citing Paris Saint-Germain’s interest in the Lyon ace, Le10 Sport add Newcastle bid for in January.
The Toon offered €40m (£33.5m), but Paqueta was not interested in joining Eddie Howe’s side. Even though Foot Mercato also reported the Magpies made him an €850k-a-month (£177k-a/w) contract offer. A figure Arsenal or Paris Saint-Germain could have to match.
PSG going cold as Lyon set £58m asking price for Arsenal target Lucas Paqueta
But Arsenal might not have to worry too much about Paris Saint-Germain’s interest to seal Paqueta’s transfer from Lyon. Leonardo’s reluctance may clear the way for the Gunners to strike a deal with Les Gones. That is if their technical director Edu is willing to spend £58m.
Paqueta will have another chance to show Arsenal what he can do in the Premier League when Lyon face West Ham United on Thursday. The Irons visit the Groupama Stadium for the second-leg of their Europa League quarter-final clash, having drawn the first-leg 1-1.
Bosz started Paqueta at the London Stadium and while he did not score or assist, the Brazil star impressed. He caused a raft of issues, leading Clinton Morrison to claim on BBC Radio 5 Live: “Paqueta is a big talent, and he could easily come and play in the Premier League.”
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