Arsenal to lock horns with PSG and Newcastle for Lucas Paqueta

Paqueta is also on the radar of Newcastle and PSG, but Arsenal have an edge.

Over the weekend, the Gunners broke into the top four of the Premier League with a hard-fought win over Watford. Arsenal now have every opportunity of qualifying for the Champions League.

Arteta was accused of mishandling Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Mesut Ozil, but the Spaniard has been piloting the team towards their goal for the season. Without a chance of winning the Premier League, qualification for the Champions League would amount to a successful season for the Gunners.

The Gunners are already preparing for next season as they look to lure players that would put them in good stead next season. In January, the London based side missed out on Dusan Vlahovic, with the Serbian preferring Juventus instead. Arsenal are now in the hunt for Brazilian playmaker Lucas Paqueta.

Arsenal to challenge moneybags for Paqueta

Arsenal are close to playing in the big leagues again. In the Premier League, the Gunners have a game in hand that could take them to within two points of fourth-place Chelsea.

Media reports suggest Arsenal is willing to go head-to-head with moneybags PSG and Newcastle United for Lyon playmaker Lucas Paqueta. Arsenal are not fazed with tackling PSG and Newcastle for the Brazilian and believe they could sign the player.

Funds are not an issue for Arsenal. They bid £88 million for Vlahovic in January but were beaten to the punch by Juventus with a lesser bid. Should Paqueta indicate an interest in joining Arsenal, money would not be an object as the club is balanced economically to make the deal happen.

Paqueta is in good form and within Arsenal's reach

Arsenal is building a young squad capable of challenging for many years. With the likes of Martin Odegaard, Emile Smith Rowe, Bukayo Saka, Ramsdale and Martinelli, Arsenal’s future is in good hands. Arteta has systematically built a strong squad that can stand the test of time. Lucas Paqueta would be a fantastic addition to the team.

Paqueta has been in fine form for Lyon in recent seasons and is now a major feature for the Brazil national team. The Lyon playmaker has 29 caps for the national team and has made 30 appearances for Lyon this term. He has eight goals and five assists this season.

Paqueta has attracted interest from PSG and Newcastle. Reports suggest that the midfielder turned down an offer from Newcastle in December. The Brazilian has a contract that runs till 2025 and could leave Lyon this summer. Lyon is reportedly ready to sell the midfielder if they receive a bid of at least €40 million.

Calciomercato, as cited by The Hard Tackle, reports that the major obstacle for Arsenal landing the midfielder is PSG. The Parisiens want to bring in a new attacking midfielder this summer. Arsenal is also keen on signing Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins to replace Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.