Lyon may soon make Arsenal target Lucas Paqueta unavailable for transfer, according to CBS Sports journalist Ben Jacobs.

The Gunners have been heavily linked with a move for the €65m (£55m) rated Brazilian international but, even though the player is interested in moving teams, Jacobs believes Lyon’s new owner John Textor may soon end the midfielder’s hopes of leaving:

“Paqueta wants a fresh challenge – so that’s the positive. So there is a window of opportunity for any suitor if they choose to act. The challenge is going to be about agreeing a deal with Lyon. What complicates that challenge even more is that Jean-Michel Aulas may be saying that he’s willing to sell, but John Textor is the American incoming majority owner at Lyon who doesn’t yet have a say – but will soon. And he’s the one that has stated on record that Lyon are goo compete with PSG, which is a massive claim. So I don’t think Textor wants Paqueta to go.”

It should be pointed out that, while Arsenal are interested in Paqueta, they have never seriously considered putting in a formal bid for the player.

Technical director Edu has admitted he is a fan of the 24-year-old but he also emphasised that the Gunners already have players similar to him in the first-team squad. Paqueta’s interest in joining a Premier League club has, nonetheless, made him a tempting target.

From the looks of things, though, if Textor has his way, the Brazilian is not likely to be on the market for too much longer