Lucas Paqueta makes feelings clear on Arsenal transfer after Edu intervention

Lyon playmaker Lucas Paqueta is open to the prospect of a new challenge as Arsenal aim to secure his services this summer transfer window, according to reports in France.

The Gunners are targeting midfield recruits ahead of the new Premier League and European campaign, with Paqueta's form catching Edu's eye. The Arsenal technical director is said to be pushing to get the deal over the line to provide Mikel Arteta with a high-quality option in the centre of the park.

Paqueta, 24, scored 11 goals and registered seven assists in all competitions last season but Lyon could only manage an underwhelming eight-place finish in Ligue 1. The Brazil international joined the French club from AC Milan in 2020 and he remains under contract until 2025.

While he is not acting out to force an exit this summer, he does want to leave as he is excited by the opportunity to join a new project. That is according to Media Foot, which claims Arsenal are leading the race for Paqueta and highlights there is an excellent relationship between the North London club and Lyon.

The report notes the Gunners are yet to submit a formal offer despite the resounding feeling that the player would leap at the chance to join Arteta's ranks. Edu and Co. may be concerned by Paqueta's price tag, with Lyon believed to be demanding at least €50million (£42m) to part ways with him, while some reports have even stated his price tag is as high as £67m.

Should Arsenal complete the signing of Paqueta - which still feels some way off - the Rio de Janeiro native will become their fifth addition of the summer window.

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The Gunners have already signed goalkeeper Matt Turner from New England Revolution, midfielder Fabio Vieira from Porto, winger Marquinhos from Sao Paulo and forward Gabriel Jesus from Manchester City. Striker Eddie Nketiah has also put pen to paper on a new long-term contract with the Emirates outfit.

Nonetheless, Edu has confirmed he is working on further business before the window slams shut. The Brazilian was put on the spot by fans during Arsenal's pre-season tour and declared he is "working on" completing more signings.

Alongside central midfield, defence is believed to be an area in need of strengthening. Arsenal are set to lose out to Manchester United in the race for Ajax stalwart Lisandro Martinez but could bolster their left-back options - as well as their midfield - by signing Oleksandr Zinchenko from Manchester City.