Arsenal Set Their Stance On Lucas Paqueta Transfer

Despite recent rumours, Lucas Paqueta is not currently a focus for Arsenal ahead of an important stage in the transfer window.

Arsenal have been searching for a centre midfielder throughout the summer and it appears the hunt will continue for a while longer.

According to reports from The Athletic, Paqueta is currently not a ‘priority’ for Arsenal as recruitment in other positions takes precedence. 

Leicester’s Youri Tielemans, Chelsea’s N'Golo Kante and now Lyon’s Lucas Paqueta have all been linked to Arsenal this summer, but rumours regarding all three have begun to die down.

The middle of the park has been a problem position for Mikel Arteta in recent seasons, and his desire to add quality and depth to the role is clear. 

The North London club currently only have Messrs. Thomas Partey, Granit Xhaka, Albert Sambi Lokonga and Mohamed Elneny as senior options in the position. 

All four of these players offer similar qualities to Arteta's side.

From the rumoured incomings, it appears the boss is after a more offensively minded midfield option.

This is where Paqueta would have featured for the Gunners.

The Brazilian would have added some creativity and flair, typical of his home nation, to Arsenal’s centre midfield choices.

However, as a result of Fabio Vieira’s move, this is no longer deemed as an essential purchase.

The imminent arrival of Oleksandr Zinchenko could also be a factor as to why a move for Paqueta has been put on the backburner.

The Ukrainian is able to operate in the middle of the park as well as at left-back.

Zinchenko's technical qualities will allow Arteta to field him as a way to link Arsenal’s progressive play through the pitch.

It is clear that Edu and Co. will continue to be active in the transfer market and will explore every possible avenue before finalising deals for new signings.