Arsenal in Lucas Paqueta transfer boost as Lyon slash £21m off asking price with playmaker seeking exit

ARSENAL have reportedly been handed a huge boost in their quest to sign Lucas Paqueta after Lyon slashed their asking price by £21million.

The 23-year-old has been heavily linked with a switch to the Emirates, with technical director Edu claimed to have held talks with the midfielder's team.

Mikel Arteta's side are believed to face competition from Newcastle in the race to secure the ex-AC Milan star's services.

But it is believed that the North London outfit are in pole position to prise Paqueta away from the Groupama Stadium.

A major stumbling block in the potential transfer so far has been Lyon's whopping £55million valuation of the player.

But according to , the Ligue 1 outfit are now prepared to accept a £34m fee for the 33-cap Brazil international.

They state that Paqueta is 'inclined to leave' Lyon, with a move to the Premier League his likely destination.

The French news outlet adds that it is Arsenal that are leading the race to nab the former Flamengo man.

It has been said that the Gunners are 'pushing hard' to sign Paqueta, with Arteta a huge admirer of his.

Paqueta is understood to be open to joining Arsenal, with the club now just needing to stump up £34m.

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Should Paqueta sign for Arsenal, he would be the third Brazilian to make the move to the Emirates this summer following the arrivals of striker Gabriel Jesus and winger Marquinhos.

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas recently revealed that the player may be sold if he wishes to depart.

He recently told reporters: "There are proposals for him.

“There are certain players who can feel complete in the project, and others who don't.

“Economically, we have the means to pursue our ideas and objectives.”

Before adding: "The coach gave us his opinion and there is also what the players wants to do.”