Arsenal contact agent of Brazilian midfielder Lucas Paqueta ahead of move for Lyon midfielder   

Mikel Arteta-Arsenal

Arsenal have reportedly contacted the agent of Lyon midfielder Lucas Paqueta, as they continue to bolster their squad ahead of the new season.

The Gunners are keen to bring the Brazilian to the Emirates and will soon make an official move to secure his services. 

Paqueta was a standout performer for Lyon last season, as he scored 11 goals and registered seven assists in 43 matches across all competitions.

Although Lyon are reluctant to sell him this summer, they also realize it will be almost impossible to keep him. The French club’s president Jean-Michel Aulas, previously revealed that the club have received offers for the wantaway playmaker.

“There are proposals for him,’ Aulas told reporters recently when questioned on the future of the Brazilian.

“There are certain players who can feel complete in the project, and others who don’t.

“Economically, we have the means to pursue our ideas and objectives.”

Although Arsenal have not yet made a direct offer for Paqueta, according to GOAL the Gunners technical director Edu has now told the player’s representatives that his club will make a formal approach for him this summer.

Lyon are reportedly asking for £67.5million (€80m) to sell the 24-year-old who has registered 21 goals and 13 assists in 77 appearances for Lyon across all competitions since arriving from AC Milan in 2020.

However, Arsenal are not alone in its pursuit of the Brazilian international, as Newcastle are also thought to be interested in the Brazilian.

The Magpies have monitored Paqueta since the January transfer window when they signed his former teammate, Bruno Guimaraes, from the French club.