Arsenal's interest in Lyon attacking midfielder Lucas Paqueta is "real", according to CBS reporter Ben Jacobs.

The north London club have been linked with the Brazilian, and Jacobs says they have explored the possibility of a transfer with his agent.

GiveMeSport Transfer News

GiveMeSport Transfer News

What is the latest news involving Paqueta?

Earlier this month, Jacobs reported that Lyon would consider a £55m offer for Paqueta this summer.

However, according to the journalist, while the Gunners are interested, technical director Edu feels Lyon's asking price is too high and is reluctant to get into a bidding war with the likes of Newcastle United and AS Roma.

The French club's valuation of Paqueta comes as no surprise given how important he was to the team last season.

In total, the 24-year-old made 44 appearances and scored 11 goals for Peter Bosz's side.

What else has Jacobs said about Paqueta and Arsenal?

Jacobs has told GIVEMESPORT that Arsenal are yet to present Lyon with an offer for Paqueta and have only ever discussed the possibility of a move with his agent.

Speaking to GMS, the CBS reporter said: "Paqueta's still an interesting one; Arsenal's interest is real. They admire the player, but they haven't really moved.

"They've never placed an offer, so when Jean-Michel Aulas spoke of lots of offers, I think I was one of the first to report that Arsenal and Newcastle were not teams that had ever gone to Lyon, they'd simply explored the option with the agent."

Will Arsenal sign Paqueta this summer?

A move to Arsenal is likely to appeal to Paqueta. The Gunners are obviously one of the biggest clubs in the world and will be competing in Europe again following their fifth-placed finish last term.

They seem reluctant to spend £55m on the Brazil international, however, which is more than understandable.

Mikel Arteta currently has options in that No.10 position, with both Martin Odegaard and Emile Smith Rowe able to play there.

The 2021/22 campaign was a really good one for the latter, who scored 10 goals in 33 Premier League appearances. Given that the England international and Odegaard are both still very young, you would expect them to continue fulfilling that role just behind the striker for years to come at the Emirates, while Arteta now also has new signing Fabio Vieira to call upon.

Considering that, the Premier League outfit are probably more likely to splash out on a new winger, a position where they are currently not blessed with options.