ARSENAL reportedly face competition from Paris Saint-Germain in the race to prise Lucas Paqueta away from Lyon in the summer.
With Granit Xhaka understood to be a target for Roma once again, Mikel Arteta is keen to bolster his midfield should the Swiss star depart the Emirates.
Lyon midfielder Lucas Paqueta is reportedly a summer target for Arsenal
The 29-year-old has been deployed in a No8 role in recent weeks where he has flourished.
But with his future in North London uncertain, Arteta wouldn’t hesitate in bringing in a swift replacement, preferably with more mobility.
And according to Calciomercato, they are eyeing up a swoop to sign Brazil international Lucas Paqueta.
The ex-AC Milan ace, 24, has chipped in with eight goals and five assists in 30 games in all competitions for the French outfit this term.
Paqueta – capable of playing as a central midfielder, No10, centre-forward or even on the wing – is tied down at Lyon until 2025.
It’s not just the Gunners that are interested in the 2019 Copa America winner, with it claimed that PSG are targeting the player.
Meanwhile Newcastle could reignite their interest in the former Flamengo man having failed to bring him to St James’ Park in January.
It was reported how Paqueta rejected a £180,000-a-week move to the Magpies with the Toon embroiled in a relegation battle at the time.
But with Eddie Howe’s side now up to 14th in the table after going eight games unbeaten – in addition to the club signing Paqueta’s ex-Lyon team-mate Bruno Guimaraes – they could believe they have a chance at finally securing his services.
Arsenal were also keen to nab Bruno, but the player snubbed a switch to the capital in favour of Newcastle.
Another Lyon player Arsenal missed out on is Houssem Aouar, with the French midfielder a target for Arteta in the last two summer transfer windows.
Alexandre Lacazette meanwhile could be heading in the opposite direction with Lyon keen to re-sign the Gunners skipper.
Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas recently confirmed their interest in bringing him back with the striker set to become a free agent.
Brazil international Paqueta has chipped in with eight goals and five assists this term
He declared: “We will do our best to sign Lacazette in June. We will make every effort possible for his return to Lyon.”
Aulas was backed up by Lyon’s sporting director Vincent Ponsot, who added: “Yes, we are in contact with Lacazette and yes, it is true that we are interested in him.
“We’ve always remained in contact with him.”
