Lyon chiefs aren’t ruling out that Lucas Paqueta could leave this summer, with Edu Gaspar a fan of the player, but there’s no formal approach from Arsenal.

Lyons Brazilian midfielder Lucas Paqueta and his partner pose ahead of the TV show on May 15, 2022 in Paris, as part of the 30th edition of the UNFP (French National Professional Football players Union) trophy ceremony. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP) (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)
Lyons Brazilian midfielder Lucas Paqueta and his partner pose ahead of the TV show on May 15, 2022 in Paris, as part of the 30th edition of the UNFP (French National Professional Football players Union) trophy ceremony. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)

Speaking this week, Lyon head of recruitment Bruno Cheyrou responded to a question about whether Lucas Paqueta could leave the club.

“We are ready for any eventuality, but we have to reduce the workforce,” Cheyrou said. “Departures on a case-by-case basis, we will analyse, but economic data are taken into account.”

The quotes follow comments from Arsenal’s Edu Gaspar, who told TNT Sports Brasil that he’s a fan of Paqueta, but the club aren’t in talks for his signing.

“I’m very cautious to speak about Lucas,” Edu said. “I am a guy who likes him very much. He was considered the best player in the French league last season but there’s nothing. No talks.

“Today in his position we are very well served, and that’s it.”

There have been conflicting reports in the English media around Paqueta.

Charles Watts of Goal claims the interest is real, and an Arsenal bid is expected for the midfielder. But The Athletic report that whilst Arsenal are admirers of Paqueta, they have other positional priorities and he’s not a focus.

Lyon's Brazilian midfielder Lucas Paqueta celebrates during the French L1 football match between Olympique Lyonnais (OL) and OGC Nice at The Groupama Stadium in Decines-Charpieu, central-eastern France on February 12, 2022. (Photo by OLIVIER CHASSIGNOLE / AFP)
Lyon’s Brazilian midfielder Lucas Paqueta celebrates during the French L1 football match between Olympique Lyonnais (OL) and OGC Nice at The Groupama Stadium in Decines-Charpieu, central-eastern France on February 12, 2022. (Photo by OLIVIER CHASSIGNOLE / AFP)

Ben Jacobs wrote recently that Lyon would seriously consider offers for Paqueta in the region of £55m, dropping their demands from the £70m they wanted in January.

Lyon accept the player wants to leave, and they won’t stand in his way if he gets a good offer.

But whilst Arsenal, Newcastle United, and AS Roma have all reportedly enquired, Jacobs writes that Edu won’t get sucked into a bidding war, and they haven’t placed a bid.

Mostly playing in midfield for Lyon, Paqueta scored 11 goals and provided seven assists last campaign.

The Brazilian has a contract until 2025, so Lyon are in a strong position to hold out for their demands.