'Very recently': Journalist shares what he's just been told by Lucas Paqueta's agent amid interest from Arsenal

By Milo Clay

Arsenal have been heavily linked with a move for Lyon midfielder Lucas Pauqeta this summer and journalist Freddie Paxton has spoken on The Fresh Arsenal Show about a conversation he had with the player’s agent.  

The Gunners have been busy adding to Mikel Arteta’s squad this summer as they’ve signed five players already. 

And it seems they aren’t done just yet as Arsenal reportedly hold an interest in Paqueta and have spoken to his agent. 

In the most recent update on the club’s pursuit of the 24-year-old, the player’s agent is apparently playing a waiting game. 

Paqueta’s agent on Arsenal interest 

Speaking on The Fresh Arsenal Show, Freddie Paxton says he spoke to Paqueta’s agent recently and he’s waiting for things to fall into place. 

Paxton said: “I think he’s a player they admire, like many players. He’s probably one of the names on the list which doesn’t always materialise.

“Arsenal sent scouts to watch Paqueta last season. I spoke to his agent very recently and a bit like Tielemans, it’s a bit of a waiting game for them, they are waiting for some dominoes to fall.” 

Despite Paqueta’s agent waiting for other moves to happen in the transfer market, Paxton says Arsenal face competition if they eventually move for the Brazilian. 

“Arsenal aren’t the only club that are interested and Arsenal probably have a couple of names on their list, in case one falls through,” he added. 

“I think Paqueta is a possibility because he’s a player they like and he’s acquirable – we’re not going to be priced out of a move.

“But if you were to ask me if we were to end up with Tielemans or Paqueta I think Tielemans is the more likely of the two.” 

Paqueta enjoyed a superb campaign with Lyon last season as he scored 11 goals and assisted seven times for the French club in all competitions. After joining from AC Milan back in 2020, the South American has been a standout performer in Ligue 1. 

It seems that Mikel Arteta is keen to bring in another midfielder and Leicester’s Youri Tielemans could also end up at the Emirates.

Whether it is one or the other for Arsenal remains to be seen but the club have two great options in Paqueta and Tielemans. Both would add some well-needed depth in Arsenal’s midfield while pushing for a place in Arteta’s side.