Olympique Lyonnais are said to be ‘seriously considering’ offers for Arsenal target Lucas Paquetá, according to CBS Sports journalist Ben Jacobs.
The Gunners have reportedly been on the hunt for midfield reinforcements all summer, with Paquetá becoming the latest player associated with a move to the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal have emerged as lead candidates in the chase for the Brazil international, according to UOL Esporte.
The Premier League club are already said to have made enquiries into his availability.
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Jacobs now adds that Lyon would consider selling their star man this summer, lowering their January valuation of £70 million down to £55 million.
According to the journalist, the French club are no longer looking to price Paquetá out of a move in a bid to deter suitors.
The player is thought to be keen on leaving.
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The stance means Lyon will now be entertaining an offer in the region of £55 million as the player eyes a departure.
For Arsenal, among others, the asking price may still be a little too high, with no club yet to table an offer.
The Gunners have Newcastle United and AS Roma as company, but aren’t keen on entering a bidding war, as per Jacob’s information.
A fully-fledged Brazil international, Paquetá will be hoping to prolong his presence in the infamous ‘Seleção’ set-up ahead of the 2022 Qatar World Cup.
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Lyon’s inability to qualify for European football last season complicates matters for the creative midfielder, with the 24-year-old attracted to the prospect of plying his trade in the Premier League.
Widespread reports now claim Paquetá has positioned himself in line for an exit as Les Gones name their price.
As per UOL Esporte, the North Londoners are in pole position for the Brazilian, who’s already been approved as a signing by the Gunners boss Mikel Arteta.
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Paquetá also holds ties to the Arsenal technical director Edu Gaspar, who was the national team’s technical coordinator at the time the Lyon man was handed his international debut.
The ex-AC Milan man was a key highlight in Lyon’s campaign last year, despite a disappointing 8th-placed finish.
After 35 Ligue 1 appearances, Paquetá found the back of the net nine times and contributed with a further six assists from the middle of the park.
Paquetá went on to win the Best Foreign Player of the Season award in France in only his second full season in French football.
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Topics: Arsenal, Lyon, Mikel Arteta, Transfers
Patrick Ribeiro