Arsenal: 7 Martin Odegaard transfer alternatives

7. Lucas Paqueta – Lyon

This would be where Arsenal take advantage of a situation that, while unfortunate, is there to be exploited. At this moment in time, Ligue 1 is a rich, fishing ground where the tuna on show is available at below market price. French football has been hit hard by the pandemic and the TV licencing issues. The division is struggling.

It may only be Lucas Paqueta’s first season with Lyon after his move from AC Milan in 2020, but he’s found the platform to express his talent having failed to live up to his billing in Italy. Featuring as a central midfielder for long periods of the season – his 99th percentile progressive passes, 96th percentile through balls and 97th percentile passes into the final third make him such a threat from central areas – he’s unlocked his attacking potential since moving into a No. 10 slot in a 4-2-3-1 at the latter end of the season.

Ten goals and assists in the final 13 Ligue 1 outings were where he blossomed. The 23-year-old Brazilian has divine ball control and elegant technique, regularly seen dragging the ball back or Maradona turning beyond a marker. Receiving under pressure on the half turn and exploding into space, his 10.30 passes under pressure per 90 is 99th percentile worthy and his ability to turn the tightest spaces into vast open fields of grass in the blink of an eye is so quintessentially Brazilian.

What heightens an already enticing profile is magnificent defensive work rate and output. For tackles made, won and in every third of the pitch compared to other attacking midfielders and wingers, he is 99th percentile worthy. 3.76 tackles and interceptions per 90 is, again, 99th percentile worthy.

He presses intently, relentlessly and successfully, while he also averages 9.52 ball recoveries, which is, of course, 99th percentile worthy. Keeping the ball high up the pitch is something Arsenal struggle to achieve and Paqueta would change that.

Where are the issues? The only standout one would be his finishing but given the clear strides made to fine-tune that department in the past 12 months it’s something that will continue to improve over time.

Some player he is. There is an ease to everything he does, a natural poise to his movement and Paqueta can be the spark in a dead fusebox. In a depressed market at a broke Lyon, Arsenal should at least take a look.