Lucas Paqueta now expects to leave Lyon during the summer transfer market after Arsenal technical director Edu held talks with the Brazilian’s agent over joining Mikel Arteta’s side.
That’s according to Globo Esporte, who report the midfielder is hopeful of leaving his Ligue 1 club over the off-season. Paqueta was a vital part of Les Gones’ plans last season with 43 appearances in all competitions, but he no longer sees a future at the Groupama Stadium.
- Crystal Palace’s 22/23 XI with £20M West Ham target leading 4 new signings
- Jude Bellingham and Celtic ace lead Birmingham XI if they ket their top stars
Instead, the 24-year-old hopes Lyon agree to sell him, despite having a further three years to run on his contract. The departure of Newcastle United star Bruno Guimaraes in January and director of sport Juninho also leaving has signalled to Paqueta that it is his time to go.
Paqueta expects to leave Lyon this summer as Ligue 1 club study offers
Paqueta feels he is now ready to make a leap in his career amid superior financial offers to the contract Lyon awarded him in 2020. The Rio de Janeiro native agreed to take a pay cut to join from AC Milan, having struggled to settle at the Serie A side after moving to Europe.
Lyon do not rule out selling their maestro, either, as Les Gones strive to keep their finances in check. But president Jean-Michel Aulas has not rushed to accept the offers on the table.
“There are proposals for him,” Aulas noted earlier this week, via quotes by Globo Esporte. “There are a number of players who feel completely in the project, and others who don’t.
“Economically, we have the means to pursue our ideas and goals. For Lucas, obviously the theme [of a transfer] came up, and we are evaluating it. The coach gave his opinion [after saying: ‘I want to keep all the good players’], and there is also the desire of the players.”
Arsenal in talks with Paqueta’s agent over summer switch for Brazil maestro
Arsenal are among the clubs interested in signing Paqueta, with Edu in talks with the Lyon midfielder’s agent, per Goal. The Gunners have sought to understand his situation with Les Gones wanting €80m (£68m) for the Brazilian, who hit 11 goals and seven assists last term.
The Emirates Stadium hierarchy are still yet to submit an official offer for Aulas to consider this summer. Edu would also hope Lyon lower their asking price before tabling a firm offer, but he faces competition from Newcastle with Eddie Howe also monitoring his situation.
Paqueta handing in an official transfer request, according to reports by CBS, could help his expectations of leaving Lyon. While any club who agrees his transfer will land a playmaker lauded by his Gones teammate Jerome Boateng for what he provides his club and country.
“Paqueta is a fantastic player,” Boateng enthused, via quotes by Ligue1.com, after the 33-cap midfielder inspired Lyon to beat Monaco 2-0 as a 67th-minute substitute in October.
“He played on Friday for Brazil and today he was huge for us. He’s not only a great player in France, but also at global level. He’s a first-teamer with Brazil, he contributes a huge amount to our team. It’s really great for the fans to be able to see a player like him.”
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
