Arsenal fall behind Spurs and Man City: Ranking the contenders to sign Paqueta

Robin Bairner

28 Jul 2022 03:56 CDT
3 min read

Lucas Paqueta, Lyon, 2022/23 — © ProShots

Arsenal have reason to fear that they could miss out on Lyon and Brazil midfielder Lucas Paqueta, a player they have been associated with for a prolonged period but have made little headway of signing.

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The Gunners have a long-standing interest in Paqueta but FootballTransfers can confirm they have not made an official approach for the player.

Equally, though, signing a new midfielder is in the plans of Mikel Arteta, and the 24-year-old is doubtless on the shortlist of players who could make that move.

While Arsenal previously felt that they were able to bide their time on Paqueta, it appears they may have suffered a double blow in their chase for the Brazilian, who has been compared to former Ballon d’Or winner Kaka in style.

Four Premier League teams are interested Paqueta, with three having made formal contact but no concrete offers. Here is how they rank in order of likelihood of a deal being done, according to L’Equipe.

4. Newcastle

Newcastle may have his good friend Bruno Guimaraes and plenty of money, but they don’t yet have the type of project in place to attract Paqueta, who “will not move just anywhere”, according to the report in L’Equipe.

3. Arsenal

Arsenal have been bullish over their chances of signing the Brazilian, but perhaps they have been a little too laid back. It is stated that Paqueta is “not totally thrilled” about the prospect of moving to the Emirates Stadium.

A strong Brazilian colony at the club certainly increases their appeal, but equally they do not yet have Champions League football to entice him.

Lucas Paqueta, Lyon, 2021/22 — © ProShots

2. Tottenham

Paqueta is a long-standing target for Spurs, who even made an approach for him during the January transfer window. While they retain their interest in the No.10, they will have to make an improved offer if they are to secure his signature.

There may be a willingness on the part of the Premier League club to do that, but the stumbling block is that they need to offload the likes of Tanguy Ndombele, himself a former Lyon player, and Giovanni Lo Celso to free up resources. This could be an onerous task.

1. Manchester City

City are considered to be “the most advanced” side in terms of attracting Paqueta this summer. Indeed, the Lyon star is thought to be on top of Pep Guardiola’s shortlist for replacing Bernardo Silva, who continues to be linked with Barcelona. Indeed, agent Jorge Mendes is pushing for Silva to leave.

However, City are only primed to move if a deal materialises, and there is nothing in the pipeline yet.

Paqueta, therefore, looks likely to start the season with Lyon, and there could yet be a major shakeup in this order before Transfer Deadline Day.