Arsenal could reignite their interest in Lyon attacking midfielder Lucas Paqueta now his asking price has been lowered, according to 90min.com‘s Graeme Bailey.
The journalist claims that the Brazilian international could now be sold for just £33m, and he believes that it could tempt the Gunners into making a move for the player:
“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.”
Technical director Edu has already expressed his admiration for Paqueta, but he played down speculation about a bid due to the fact that the London club already have plenty of midfielders who play in the same position already.
You also have to question Bailey’s claim about Lyon’s asking price. Originally, it was believed that the Ligue One side were holding out for €65m (£55m). Considering the amount of interest (which includes Manchester City and Tottenham) in Paqueta, why would they reduce their demands by as much as £22m?
The 24-year-old’s situation is definitely one to keep an eye on, although the likelihood of the player making the switch to the Emirates is still pretty low.