'A player Arteta really wants': Arsenal boss desperate to sign £55m star

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is eager to bring Lucas Paqueta to the Emirates Stadium, according to CBS journalist Ben Jacobs.

Over the past week or so, the Gunners have been heavily linked with the Lyon attacking midfielder.

Reports have suggested that Arsenal have been talking with both Paqueta and his club over a move.

On Thursday, Media Foot – via Sport Witness – claimed the Gunners were leading the race for the 24-year-old.

In terms of a price tag, there have been several conflicting reports.

Media Foot suggested Lyon could ‘reasonably bank on a cheque overtaking the €50m’ (around £43m) mark.

Meanwhile, Goal Brasil believes the French outfit was looking at €80m (around £68m).

And Jacobs, writing on GiveMeSport, reckons Jean-Michel Aulas could be after £55m.

He also tipped Arsenal to face a battle for Paqueta’s services amid links with Newcastle United.

“Paqueta is a player Arteta really wants, though,” wrote Jacobs. “It won’t be an easy negotiation with Lyon and Newcastle have enquired, too.

“Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas is going to hold out for at least 55m and even asked for closer to 70m back in January.”

Exciting to see how things develop – TBR View

Arsenal have done some great business in this window, improving their options in several areas.

Paqueta would be another top signing for the Gunners if they can get a deal over the line.

He is someone who has really impressed at the highest level, and looked ‘extraordinary‘ at times.

Lyon are tough negotiators, but Arsenal apparently have an ‘excellent’ relationship with Lyon (Media Foot).

This would stand the Gunners in good stead when it comes to negotiations.

This certainly appears to be a transfer rumour with some legs, so it’ll be interesting to see how things develop.