Lyon are in agreement with AC Milan over the signing of Lucas Paqueta this week, increasing the likelihood of Houssem Aouar to Arsenal.

Francesco Porzio and Gianluca Di Marzio report that AC Milan and Lyon reached an agreement for the permanent transfer of Lucas Paqueta this summer. Porzio described the move as a ‘done deal’ at this stage.

RMC Sport (via GFFN) add that it’s a €20m move for the midfielder on a permanent deal.

The transfer, particularly on a permanent basis for tens of millions, has Arsenal fans hopeful about a deal for Houssem Aouar. Signing a central midfielder certainly leaves Lyon in a better position to sell Aouar.

It’s worth mentioning that Lyon are also potentially on the verge of selling Jeff Reine-Adelaide, however. So they probably needed a midfielder regardless of the Aouar exit. At least, that’s what I’m sure they’re going to claim in negotiations.

This is by no means proof that Aouar is on his way to London as we speak. It’s just another step in the right direction. You’d definitely struggle to explain Lyon selling both Reine-Adelaide and Aouar and signing no one in the middle.

Aouar is keen to join, though, so it’s just up to Arsenal to find an agreement with Lyon.