ARSENAL are ‘pushing hard’ to sign Lyon’s Brazil midfielder Lucas Paqueta.
That’s the claim from Media Foot – despite the Gunners hovering ever closer to Leicester’s Youri Tielemans.
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Lyon are reportedly expecting to ‘soon receive an offer’ for 33-cap Paqueta.
The ex-AC Milan star, 24, is said to have rejected moves to several other clubs.
And it’s understood Arsenal’s priority is to persuade Paqueta they are the right team for him – BEFORE they make a firm offer to his Ligue 1 side.
Emirates boss Mikel Arteta is prioritising at least one new top-class midfielder, plus a wideman.
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Belgium ace Tielemans remains Arteta’s dream target down the middle.
And out wide the ‘new Eden Hazard’ – Lille’s Edon Zhegrova – has emerged as a surprise option.
There were even reports on Thursday that the Gunners have bid for the Kosova hero.
The 23-year-old would certainly be a cheaper alternative to Raphina.
And in any case the Leeds winger is tipped to reject Arsenal and Chelsea for a £40,000-a-week pay rise at Barcelona.
Ivory Coast wideman Nicolas Pepe is one of seven players who could exit the Emirates.
Bernd Leno, Hector Bellerin, Lucas Torreira, Pablo Mari, Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Reiss Nelson might also depart.