Arsenal fans could be in for an exciting campaign if they sign Lyon midfielder Lucas Paqueta, according to journalist Pete O'Rourke.

The Gunners' poor end to last season cost them a place in the Champions League, but Mikel Arteta has already made four signings and could make a fifth in the Brazil international.

What business have Arsenal already completed?

Despite missing out on Raphinha and Lisandro Martinez, who are expected to sign for Barcelona and Manchester United respectively, Arteta has already managed to get some noteworthy transfers over the line.

Following American goalkeeper Matt Turner and young attacker Marquinhos was Porto midfielder Fabio Vieira, who signed for £34.2m last month.

GiveMeSport Transfer Verdict

GiveMeSport Transfer Verdict

But Arsenal's standout signing was their latest to arrive, with Paqueta's international teammate Gabriel Jesus signing for £45m from Manchester City, with the 25-year-old be hoping to establish himself as the club's first choice striker ahead of Eddie Nketiah.

Arteta, though, is hoping to make further additions before September's deadline and he is interested in £68m-rated Paqueta, who was described as 'sensational' back in May.

The 24-year-old has caught the eye since joining Lyon back in 2020, with the midfielder scoring 18 goals and laying on 11 assists in 65 Ligue 1 games across the last two years.

As a result, with Arsenal already completing some notable business, O'Rourke reckons that getting Paqueta on board would put the north Londoners on course for a positive season.

What did O'Rourke say about Arsenal?

He told GIVEMESPORT: "They need somebody to go in there and add creativity to their midfield options, which has been criticised in the past with Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka maybe a bit more defensive.

"So if they get Paqueta, on top of Gabriel Jesus signing, there's lots of optimism there for Arsenal fans that it could be an exciting season for them."

Where else do Arsenal need to strengthen?

Arsenal might have bolstered their attacking ranks, but they're yet to bring in any defenders, which is a concern considering they had the worst defensive record in the top five last term, shipping 48 goals in the league.

William Saliba's return should improve their options, but Arteta could do with bringing in another left-back to provide cover for Kieran Tierney, with Nuno Tavares' future in doubt.

Along with another centre midfielder, the Gunners also look short in the wide areas, which explains why they were hoping to sign Raphinha.

Bukayo Saka would appear to already have the right side position sewn up, but if Arsenal want to compete in both the Premier League and in Europe, then another winger might well be needed.