Speaking on The Done Deal Show, CBS journalist Ben Jacobs has been discussing Arsenal’s interest in Lucas Paqueta.
The Gunners have been strongly linked with Paqueta in recent weeks, and while a deal has reportedly been discussing, the London club aren’t close to getting this one over the line.
Unfortunately, according to Jacobs, this may be a rather complicated deal for the Gunners.
Indeed, Jacobs says that due to the power struggle amid an ongoing takeover at Lyon, any move for Paqueta will be very complicated.
What’s been said?
Jacobs spoke about Paqueta and the situation at Lyon.
“What complicates things is the power struggle at Lyon and this isn’t being reported as much. There’s a US businessman by the name of John Textor who has a deal to become the majority shareholder at Lyon, but he’s not in yet,” Jacobs said.
“And Textor wants to compete with PSG, so he is probably averse to selling Paqueta, but Jean-Marie Aulas is aware of the player’s wishes and there’s this desire from Lyon to get a skyhigh price, tempered by the fact that Paqueta wants to leave, versus who has the real say?
“Is Aulas getting Paqueta out so that when Textor is in Aulas can be scapegoated? Or is Aulas making a move to sell a star player ahead of Textor coming in? Or is he working for Textor unofficially? That is unclear at the moment.”
Complex
This is a very complex situation, and it may cost Arsenal the chance to sign Paqueta.
Aulas would be taking a big risk if he sold a star player before Textor came in, but if the player wants to go, Aulas needs to do what is right for Paqueta.
However, the Lyon owner surely won’t want to let him go for anything less than his market value, so Arsenal may have to pay through the nose to land the Brazilian this summer.
This deal looks to be rather complicated, and perhaps Arsenal would be best off putting this one on ice until January.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
