90min writer Graeme Bailey believes that Arsenal may yet return for Lucas Paqueta this summer.
The Gunners have been heavily linked with a move for the Brazilian, while other Premier League clubs have also been credited with an interest. However, it was thought that Lyon would demand £68m for the Brazilian maestro, which may have taken them out of the running.
It is now being reported that the Ligue 1 outfit are willing to entertain offers at around half that valuation, with £33m now the desired asking price, plus add-ons.
As a ‘good friend’ of Bruno Guimaraes, Newcastle United may hold an advantage when it comes to a deal, but Bailey is insistent that the north Londoners can not yet be ruled out.
Speaking on the Talking Transfers podcast, he said: “His fee has dropped to £33m. Bruno Cheyrou [Lyon’s chief scout] confirmed over the weekend again, that if the right bid comes in, he can go.
“[He is] a player Arsenal like a lot, and I think at £33m, Arsenal, I wouldn’t rule them out of this equation.”
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With the reviewed asking price, Edu Gaspar and his recruitment team could well be firmly in the ‘equation’ for Paqueta, who will turn 25 at the end of this month.
Journalist Ben Jacobs has previously confirmed that the interest in the ‘world star’ is genuine.
Last season, he produced 11 goals and seven assists, which could make him a fine goalscoring threat from the Arsenal midfield.
Alongside Martin Odegaard, who was directly involved in 11 goals himself last term, the pair could form a terrific tandem in front of Thomas Partey.
However, given that Fabio Vieira has already been brought in and Oleksandr Zinchenko can play in the middle, Arteta may feel he’s already well-stocked in that department.