Arsenal have identified their ideal Granit Xhaka replacement in Lucas Paqueta
Arsenal’s interest in a new midfielder highlights that Mikel Arteta is trying to sign a player who can enhance the position Granit Xhaka is currently occupying.
According to Calciomercato, The Gunners are interested in signing Lyon midfielder Lucas Paqueta, who Paris Saint-Germain and Newcastle are also keen on acquiring.
Xhaka is tasked with a new role in the number eight position and has put in good performances, however, a player with better mobility would certainly improve Arteta’s side.
With the Swiss international’s future at the club uncertain, Paqueta would be a good signing by Edu and Arsenal would have a major improvement to the midfield.
The Gunners are set to be short in the midfield position in the summer as Football.london understands that Roma are expected to make a fresh attempt to sign Granit Xhaka at the end of the season.
This will mean that Thomas Partey would be the only experienced midfielder in the team, as Mohamed Elneny’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season.
Mikel Arteta has had problems with the midfield this season due to the lack of quality in squad depth, and that has hindered the club’s progress at times.
If the Spaniard opts for three players in the centre of midfield then Paqueta would be an excellent option to have on the right-hand side for the future
Arsenal have attempted to sign midfielders from Lyon in the past in Bruno Guimaraes and Houssem Aouar.
So, if the club does pursue a deal for Paqueta, then Edu must ensure that the club avoids embarrassment for the third time.
Paqueta joined the Ligue 1 side from AC Milan ahead of the 2019/2020 season and has since then gone on to make 64 appearances, scoring 18 goals while providing 11 assists in the process.
Arsenal certainly needs to add to their midfield firepower, and Paqueta would certainly be a good signing if he is available and there is an extra incentive to beat Newcastle to his signature after they stole Guimaraes.
Tags: Arsenal
