Arsenal

Arsenal: Ben Jacobs discusses the Gunners’ ‘genuine interest’ in Lucas Paqueta

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Image for Arsenal: Ben Jacobs discusses the Gunners’ ‘genuine interest’ in Lucas Paqueta

Journalist Ben Jacobs has confirmed that Arsenal are yet to make a move for Lucas Paqueta.

The Gunners have been heavily linked with a move for the Brazilian alongside Newcastle United while Tottenham have also been credited with an interest.

It has been said that Lyon would be demanding £68m to sanction a transfer and Jacobs has dismissed claims from Media Foot Marseille suggesting that the Ligue 1 club would be willing to accept half that figure.

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has reinforced the north London club’s admiration for the attacking midfielder due to the link with his compatriot Edu.

Jacobs has now clarified where Arsenal stands in relation to a potential swoop.

Speaking on the Touchline Community YouTube channel he said:

(30:52)”To be clear the interest is genuine and Arteta admires Paqueta but there is nothing at this stage from Arsenal’s perspective that is advanced.”

TIF Thoughts on Paqueta and Arsenal…

Despite scoring 11 goals and producing a further seven assists last season, Mikel Arteta already seems spoiled for choice in areas that Paqueta tends to operate.

The 33-cap Brazil ace has shown his versatility in both the centre and out wide but given the emergence of Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith-Rowe in recent seasons, it is unlikely the Spanish coach would threaten to thwart that development.

Last term Martin Odegaard also rose to prominence at the Emirates Stadium with seven goals and four assists and ranked third in the side for average season rating with 7.01.

Furthermore, the arrival of Oleksandr Zinchenko also gives Arteta another option in midfield and would make a move for Paqueta more of a luxury want than an urgent need.

Graeme Souness heralded Zinchenko’s display as the metronome of Ukraine’s side in a recent World Cup play-off suggesting he ‘ran the show’ and it further decrease the likelihood that Edu and his recruitment team would take their interest in Paqueta further.

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