Arsenal pursuit of Lucas Paqueta impacted by Manchester City Bernardo Silva transfer decision

Manchester City have identified Arsenal transfer target Lucas Paqueta as a potential replacement for Bernardo Silva if the Portuguese star leaves to join Barcelona.

Arsenal technical director Edu revealed his admiration for the Brazilian playmaker earlier this summer but face competition from Tottenham, Newcastle and Manchester City. Lyon recruitment chief Bruno Cheyrou has admitted that the Ligue 1 outfit are 'prepared' for Paqueta to leave the club with Lyon needing to trim down their squad.

Barcelona have been splashing the cash this summer but still need to part ways with high earners as Xavi Hernandez looks to reshape his squad, with Silva being one name on Barca's transfer shortlist. understands Arsenal want to add a new midfielder to the squad but could be hampered by City targeting a move for Paqueta this summer.

According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Barcelona will need to sell Frenkie de Jong if they want to sign Bernardo Silva with the City star top of the Catalan club's list. Manchester City are discussing the option of signing Paqueta should Silva leave the club, but Pep Guardiola wants to keep the Portuguese playmaker at the Etihad Stadium, despite Silva being open to moving to Barca.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano said: “I am told that he [Bernardo Silva] will be open to discuss with Barcelona, but Man City will do their best to keep Bernardo at the club. In case Bernardo leaves City in August, keep an eye on Lucas Paqueta.

"Paqueta is one of the names being discussed internally by City, but we know Arsenal are interested in the player. They [Arsenal] have not submitted any proposals yet, but could face competition from Newcastle and City this summer."

Mikel Arteta admitted that the Gunners