Arsenal 'boiling hot' in pursuit of £43m midfielder, club bracing itself for bid

Arsenal are reportedly looking to add another midfielder to their ranks this summer.

And over the past week or so, the Gunners have been heavily linked with Lyon star Lucas Paqueta.

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

Now, Media Foot has provided a further update on the state of play between the Gunners and the midfielder.

The French outlet – via Sport Witness – claims Paqueta ‘wants to leave’ Lyon, although not ‘at all costs’.

In addition, the 24-year-old is apparently ‘tempted by a new challenge’.

Arsenal are reportedly ‘in the lead’, though they still haven’t put an offer forward.

Despite this, they are ‘boiling hot’ to sign Paqueta, and Lyon ‘know that an offensive is being prepared’.

Mikel Arteta is apparently ‘pushing’ Arsenal to bring the Brazil international to the Emirates Stadium.

Very positive so far, and with Arsenal enjoying an ‘excellent’ relationship with Lyon, this could help negotiations.

In terms of a price tag, the belief is that the Ligue 1 outfit can ‘reasonably bank on a cheque overtaking the €50m’ (around £43m) mark.

Exciting to see how things develop – TBR View

Arsenal have done some great business in this window and, 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, so Media Foot claiming the club have an ‘excellent’ relationship with Arsenal is great to hear.

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