Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing Lyon playmaker Lucas Paqueta in this summer’s transfer window.
The Gunners have enjoyed a strong transfer window, signing the likes of Marquinhos, Fabio Vieira, Matt Turner and Gabriel Jesus so far. And seemingly they are in no mood of stopping, as Mikel Arteta prepares his squad for the new campaign.
According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Arsenal could make a move for Lucas Paqueta, who is valued at around €65million by Lyon. However, no bid has been made to Lyon as of yet, he tweeted.
Paqueta, 24, moved to Lyon in 2020 after two underwhelming years with AC Milan. Since arriving in France, he has been a star performer for Lyon and has gone on to make 78 appearances. He made 44 appearances in all competitions last season, scoring 11 goals and providing seven assists.
Lucas Paqueta to Arsenal – Is he worth the fuss?
While Lyon endured a disappointing 2021-22 campaign and missed out on a place in Europe, Lucas Paqueta was one of their rare bright sparks and produced several eye-catching displays in the attacking third of the field. His share of 11 goals and seven assists in all formats gives an idea of the individual campaign he enjoyed.
🚨 Lucas Paquetá’s entourage believe that Arsenal will make a bid for the player. He could potentially fit as the left-sided #8 in Arteta’s 4-3-3. #AFC [@charles_watts via YouTube] pic.twitter.com/oaKwKG7zmo
— AFC Report (@afcreport14) July 12, 2022
The playmaker performed exceptionally to average 2.5 shots, 1.3 aerial duels won, 1.2 key passes and 2.3 successful dribbles per game. He also showed the defensive side of his game by completing 1.9 tackles, 0.3 interceptions and 0.6 clearances in Ligue 1 (stats courtesy: whoscored).
The Brazil international has been a key cog in Peter Bosz’s midfield due to his creativity, energy, flair and goal-scoring ability. The 24-year-old has not only been a strong presence in the final third of the pitch but also made a few solid tackles to stop his opponents in their tracks, making him an all-action midfielder.
Paqueta’s stats from the last season are impressive, and his qualities on and off the ball would make him a smart addition to the Arsenal squad. He could potentially become the player that pushes Mikel Arteta’s side into the Champions League for the 2023-24 campaign, whilst improving the key areas of the squad. Also, the ex-AC Milan man can provide cover for Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard by coming off the bench to impact the game when required.
Though €65million is a lot of money for an unproven Premier League commodity, Paqueta could just be the player that lifts Arsenal to another level and helps them get back into the coveted Champions League next term. Thus, Arteta would be wise to bring the Brazilian midfielder in.
