TRANSFER RUMOR Arsenal started negotiations with No.11 Premier League playmaker

Arsenal are closely monitoring West Ham United playmaker Lucas Paqueta. And the Gunners will face competition from Newcastle United for the services of Brazil international. Paqueta is valued at €70m.

But the hefty price tag does not seem to bother the Gunners, who might be willing to pay the price. Lucas has a deal with the Hammers until the summer of 2027, and the Irons have been hugely disappointing this campaign. A footballer of the 25-year-old playmaker’s quality will want to play at the highest level.

A move to Emirates Stadium would be a major step up in the Brazilian attacker’s career, and the playmaker is likely to be tempted to join them. Arsenal are well-placed to win the PL title this campaign. And the Gunners will be an attractive proposition for most footballers.

It is no secret that Arsenal will need to add more quality and depth through their midfield. And they tried to add Moises Caicedo from Brighton last month. But the Gunners also have other midfielders on their radar, including Sergej Milinkovic-Savic. And the South American playmaker has emerged as a viable target as well.