Edu dismisses Arsenal’s transfer link with Lucas Paqueta

Arsenal’s technical director Edu has distanced the club from a move for Lyon midfielder Lucas Paqueta.

The Gunners have already signed Fabio Vieira in a £34 million deal from Porto this summer.

But reports in Brazil have claimed that Edu has indicated to Paqueta’s representatives that Arsenal are preparing to make a move before the end of the transfer window.

Lyon are holding out for a €80 million (£67.6m) fee for the Brazil international, who was voted as the best foreign player in Ligue 1 last season.

But Edu is adamant that Arsenal are not looking to add any more midfielders in the same mould as Pacqueta.

‘I’m very respectful when I talk about Lucas,’ Edu told TNT Sports Brazil.

‘I’m a guy who likes him a lot, I’ve always liked him, since my time with Brazil’s national team.

‘He’s had a great season, he was considered the best [overseas] player in the French league.

‘But today, there really isn’t any kind of talk, there’s only my admiration for the player, because the squad today is, in the position he plays, I think we’re very well served in this regard.’

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Speaking earlier this month, Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas suggested that he would not stand in Pacquea’s way if he wanted to leave.

‘There are proposals for him,’ said Aulas.

‘There are certain players who can feel complete in the project, and others who don’t.

‘Economically, we have the means to pursue our ideas and objectives.

‘The coach gave us his opinion and there is also what the players wants to do.’

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