Arsenal could pursue a deal for Lyon midfielder Lucas Paquetá this summer, with the Brazilian possibly being “the next one on their list”, according to Pete O’Rourke.
Mikel Arteta’s side have made four signings this summer, but are looking to strengthen the squad further in a bid to push on from last season’s fifth-placed Premier League finish.
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Arsenal’s highest profile signing this summer has been the acquisition of Brazil and Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus for a fee of around £45m, and the club look like they would potentially like to follow that up with the signing of another Brazilian in Paquetá.
Midfielder Fábio Vieira has also signed for the north London club from FC Porto on a long-term contract, after the club’s had agreed an initial £30m fee to be paid for the 21-time Portugal U21 international.
On top of this, goalkeeper Matt Turner of MLS side New England Revolution and winger Marquinhos of São Paolo have also arrived at the Emirates Stadium this summer.
And O’Rourke believes that Paquetá could be the latest in a line of Brazilians that have arrived at Arsenal in recent years.
What has O’Rourke said about Paquetá?
He told GIVEMESPORT: “Paquetá is one of the top midfielders in Europe which he proved at Lyon and also on the international stage for Brazil.
“Obviously, we know how well Arsenal are connected with Brazilian players they've already brought in Gabriel Jesus and it looks like Paquetá is possibly the next one on their list as well.”
Would Paquetá be a good signing for Arsenal?
Paquetá would likely be an excellent signing for Arsenal with Arteta looking to enhance his midfield this season, with the 33-time Brazil international likely to add a different dynamic to the midfield at the Emirates Stadium.
The 24-year-old made 44 appearances for Lyon last season, scoring 11 goals and providing seven assists this campaign according to Transfermarkt.
Paquetá is an exceptional passer of the ball, and this is shown by the fact that he ranked in the top 10% of attacking midfielders/wingers across Europe’s top five leagues and European competition for passes attempted per 90 minutes last season (53.26) according to FBref.
The £31.5m-rated star also likes to get the ball forward when given the opportunity, and ranked in the top 13% of attacking midfielders/wingers for progressive passes per 90 minutes (4.93) according to the same stats provider.
Whilst Arsenal may have already spent a large amount of money on summer transfers so far this window, a move for Paquetá is likely to excite the Gunners faithful, and could transform Arsenal into regular top-four contenders.