ESPN Brasil claim Arsenal, Tottenham and Manchester City have held talks to sign Lyon sensation Lucas Paqueta ‘in recent weeks’ over a move to the Premier League – but talks did not go further than the preliminary stage.
Paqueta, 24, enjoyed another brilliant season with Lyon during 21-22. Clocking up 43 appearances, the 33-time Brazil international had a hand in 18 goals – scoring 11 and creating seven. He is a regular with his national team.
It comes after 16 goal involvements in his first season, in which he played just 34 times. A player of extreme quality, with reports claiming Lyon want £50million for his services. Arsenal, Spurs and City are all interested.
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Indeed, the report states that the trio of Premier League heavyweights spoke to the player’s representatives in recent weeks – but nothing came from it. He has a contract with French side Lyon until the summer of 2025.
Arsenal, Manchester City, Tottenham held Paqueta talks in recent weeks
For any Premier League club, Paqueta would be a wonderful signing. A player of extreme flair, skill, creativity and quality. At £50million, he is expensive, but given he is only 24, he is well worth the outlay.
Which club needs him the most? Manchester City have an abundance of talent and only really need him if a Bernardo Silva or a Raheem Sterling departs. Arsenal have Martin Odegaard and Emile Smith-Rowe, as well as Fabio Vieira.
Spurs lack a playmaker, but does a playmaker fit into Antonio Conte’s 3-4-3 system? If the Italian chooses to change formation and play perhaps a 3-4-1-2 – with Harry Kane and Son Heung-min up top, then, perhaps.
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