Arsenal 'pushing to beat Newcastle United to Lucas Paqueta'

Arsenal have began to push Newcastle United for the signing of Lyon midfielder Lucas Paqueta this summer, according to a report.

The Brazil international has been heavily linked with a move to Tyneside over recent months due to his friendship with Newcastle's successful January signing Bruno Guimaraes.

The pair played together at Lyon and remain close friends on a personal level, whilst continuing their excellent partnership on the international stage with Brazil too.

Eddie Howe's side are said to have made a £34m move for Paqueta, but French outlet Media Foot are reporting that the Gunners are rivalling Newcastle for the 24-year-old's signature.

The report suggests that Mikel Arteta is keen on the playmaker and has proceeded with attempts to lure Paqueta to the Emirates Stadium before the clubs begin negotiations over a transfer fee.

The former AC Milan midfielder is reportedly open to the idea of leaving Lyon in the coming weeks, which would bring an end to an impressive two-year spell in Ligue 1 following his £18m move from Italy back in September 2020.

Paqueta was part of the Lyon side that finished down in eighth place in the French top flight in the 2021-22 campaign, but was productive on a personal level after scoring nine goals and registering six assists in 35 league appearances.