Arsenal readying bid for Brazilian midfielder

Arsenal are reportedly weighing up an approach to sign midfielder Lucas Paqueta from Lyon.

The Gunners are keen on pursuing a central midfielder this summer, and Paqueta has recently emerged as the top choice.

The 24-year-old made 18 goal contributions in the recent campaign, and he is now said to be open to leaving the French outfit.

According to Media Foot, Paqueta is eyeing a new challenge away from Les Gones after their failure to qualify for Europe.

It is added that the Gunners are leading the hunt to sign him, and he could be available for a fee in the region of £42 million.

Arsenal were initially fancied to sign Leicester City's Youri Tielemans, but they seem to have cooled their interest in him.

The Belgian did not have the best of seasons last term, and there are now doubts whether the Gunners will make a move.

Mikel Arteta is now leading the club's pursuit of Paqueta, and the Brazilian could be signed ahead of Tielemans this summer