Gabriel Jesus could now persuade Lucas Paqueta to join Arsenal – journalist

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Football journalist Pete O’Rourke has claimed that Gabriel Jesus and the other Brazilian players at Arsenal could convince Lucas Paqueta to join the Gunners from Lyon this summer.

The North Londoners are said to be on the verge of signing Oleksandr Zinchenko from Manchester City. The Ukrainian has reportedly agreed personal terms with Mikel Arteta’s side, and he’s expected to undergo a medical this week before finalising a move.

If the deal goes through, Zinchenko will be Arsenal’s fifth signing of this summer’s window after Marquinhos, Fabio Vieira, Matt Turner and the Manchester City star’s teammate from last season, Jesus.

However, Mikel Arteta and Edu are still not done as rumours have heavily linked the Gunners with a move for Paqueta, who is reportedly valued at an eye-watering £68 million.

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Journalist says Gabriel Jesus could persuade Lucas Paqueta to join Arsenal

Arsenal have a fairly big Brazilian contingent at the moment. The two Gabriels – Magalhaes and Martinelli – have been joined by Jesus and Marquinhos, but the Gunners are said to be looking for another one.

Paqueta is reportedly the man who Edu Gaspar is after, and O’Rourke believes that the Lyon star’s countrymen at Arsenal could convince him to make the move this summer.

The journalist told GiveMeSport: “Obviously there is a connection there with other Brazilians at the club, the likes of Jesus, Martinelli and Gabriel at the back as well, so I’m sure they’d maybe help persuade Paqueta to make the move to Arsenal.

“And, the chance to go to London, I think, is a big factor for a lot of these South American players.”

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TBR View:

Lucas Paqueta is a phenomenal footballer, and he has been amazing for Lyon over the last two seasons.

The Brazilian scored 11 goals and provided seven assists last term, while he managed 10 and six respectively in the season before. That’s a very good record for an attacking midfielder, and it is no surprise that he’s a wanted man.

Jesus and the other Brazilians at Arsenal may well persuade Paqueta to make the move to the Emirates this summer, but convincing the Lyon man isn’t really the problem for the Gunners – agreeing on a fee with his club is.

It will be interesting to see if Arsenal can get a deal done for Paqueta this summer. If they do, we’re very curious to see where he’d fit in as the Gunners already have Martin Odegaard, Emile Smith Rowe and Fabio Vieira capable of playing in his position.

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