Lyon hand Arsenal major boost in bid to sign Lucas Paqueta this summer

Arsenal technical director Edu has reportedly already approached the Brazilian midfielder’s representatives over a move to north London, indicating the club will soon launch a formal offer.

Reports in Brazil have also suggested Mikel Arteta has personally approved the move and is eager for the 24-year-old to join his squad ahead of the new season.

Lyon meanwhile are looking to trim their squad in the coming weeks with head of recruitment Bruno Cheyrou admitting the club ‘are prepared for every eventuality’ should Arsenal launch a formal offer.

‘We need to reduce the squad size,’ Cheyrou said. ‘In terms of departures, we will analyse offers on a case-by-case basis but the economics will come into consideration.

‘We will consider the offers with Jean-Michel Aulas and Vincent Ponsot in order to make the best decisions. I am here to ensure the best team possible, but there are other things to take into account as well.’

Asked specifically about Paqueta, Cheyrou said, ‘We are prepared for every eventuality.’

Arsenal have already strengthened their midfield this summer with the arrival of Fabio Vieira, who joined in a £34 million deal from Porto.

But Paqueta is also said to be on their radar despite Edu suggesting there are currently no talks taking place.

‘I’m very respectful when I talk about Lucas,’ Edu told TNT Sports Brazil. ‘I’m a guy who likes him a lot, I’ve always liked him, since my time with Brazil’s national team.

‘He’s had a great season, he was considered the best [overseas] player in the French league.

‘But today, there really isn’t any kind of talk, there’s only my admiration for the player, because the squad today is, in the position he plays, I think we’re very well served in this regard.’

Speaking earlier this month, Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas suggested that he would not stand in Paqueta’s way if he wanted to leave.

‘There are proposals for him,’ said Aulas. ‘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. The coach gave us his opinion and there is also what the players wants to do.’

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