Arsenal

Arsenal: O’Rourke drops encouraging Paquetá update

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Arsenal’s past dealings with Lyon could give them the edge in negotiations for the French club’s Brazilian midfielder Lucas Paquetá.

That is according to journalist Pete O’Rourke who was talking to This is Futbol, about Arsenal’s potential summer transfer business ahead of the Premier League’s kick-off in August.

The 33-time Brazil international has been linked with a move to Arsenal throughout July, and Mikel Arteta’s side have now received a boost in their negotiations for the attacking midfielder.

According to previous reports, Lyon had reportedly wanted a fee of around £68m to prise Paquetá away from the club, but according to Media Foot in France, the French giants are actually only asking for around £34m to secure his signature.

And O’Rourke believes that Arsenal’s past negotiations with the club could help them in their bid to secure the midfield magician’s signing.

“You would think their past relations and past dealings with Lyon could maybe give them the edge and the Brazilian connection is pretty huge as well.

“I think Edu [Arsenal’s technical director] has done some good work for Arsenal, signing his fellow countrymen as well.”

TIF Thoughts on O’Rourke’s comments

We believe that the ‘magician’ would be an excellent addition to Arteta’s side, as the forward minded midfielder would offer the Spaniard a different dynamic in his midfield at the Emirates Stadium.

The 24-year-old loves to play the ball forward, and this is shown by the fact he ranked in the top 13% of attacking midfielders/wingers for progressive passes per 90 minutes last season (4.93), according to FBref.

We think that Arteta and Arsenal should be going all out to secure the signing of Paquetá, as he is likely to offer the Gunners something they don’t already have in midfield, ahead of the new season.

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