Arsenal are reportedly keen on signing Lucas Paquetá, with Mikel Arteta identifying the Brazilian midfielder as a top transfer target.

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 11: Lucas Paqueta of West Ham United controls the ball while under pressure from Joao Felix of Chelsea during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Chelsea FC at London Stadium on February 11, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 11: Lucas Paqueta of West Ham United controls the ball while under pressure from Joao Felix of Chelsea during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Chelsea FC at London Stadium on February 11, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

According to British media outlet Team Talk, the Gunners are planning to strengthen their squad in all areas during the upcoming summer transfer window.

Arteta’s primary objective is to keep Arsenal competitive in the race for the Premier League title while making a significant impact in the UEFA Champions League. The club is eager to assert their presence in the top European competition after several years out of it.

Lucas Paquetá has reportedly caught Arteta’s attention due to his versatile playing style, which aligns perfectly with his tactical vision.

The Brazilian can comfortably fill in various midfield positions, potentially taking on roles currently held by Granit Xhaka and Martin Odegaard.

Paquetá’s experience in the Premier League, having scored two goals and provided three assists for West Ham United this season, also makes him an attractive prospect for Arsenal.

West Ham United, however, have faced a challenging season domestically. Despite reaching the quarterfinals of the UEFA Europa League, their poor performance in the Premier League raises questions about the club’s future.

If West Ham fail to avoid relegation, Paquetá may request a transfer, providing Arsenal with an opportunity to swoop in with an enticing offer.

The potential acquisition of Lucas Paquetá would undoubtedly bolster Arsenal’s midfield options and further solidify their chances of success in both domestic and European competitions.

As the summer transfer window approaches, it will be interesting to see if the Gunners can successfully land their top target.

Arsenal are, of course, said to be the favourites to land Declan Rice.

Arsenal tried to sign Paqueta before West Ham move

Lyon's Brazilian midfielder Lucas Paqueta eyes the ball during the UEFA Europa League quarter final first leg football match between West Ham United and Olympique Lyonnais at The London Stadium, in east London, on April 7, 2022. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP)
Lyon’s Brazilian midfielder Lucas Paqueta eyes the ball during the UEFA Europa League quarter final first leg football match between West Ham United and Olympique Lyonnais at The London Stadium, in east London, on April 7, 2022. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP)

Arsenal were heavily linked with a move for Lucas Paqueta before he signed for West Ham from Lyon in the summer of 2022 for €43m.

At the time, Charles Watts from Goal stated that there was genuine interest in Paqueta from Arsenal, but The Athletic’s report suggested that, although Arsenal admired him, they were prioritising other positions and he was not a top target.