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3 reasons why Arsenal should avoid signing Lucas Paqueta
By Adam Schultz
No Premier League experience
While this is not a deal-breaker by any means, a lack of Premier League experience is something that Mikel Arteta could see as a reason not to pursue the 24-year-old, especially given his price tag.
The club needs someone who can come in straight away and fill the gap in midfield. Last season the heart of Arsenal’s defence needed fixing; Arteta brought in Benjamin White, who plied his trade with Brighton in the league the season prior.
Arsenal have Fabio Vieira who’s a far more effective profile than Lucas Paquetá. Vieira is much more complete and impactful with his actions but also more dangerous due to his ball striking on BOTH feet.
— EBL (@EBL2017) July 10, 2022
Paquetá is largely one-footed + lacks the variety & directness of Vieira.
This summer, a class forward was needed with the departures of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette leaving Arteta signed Gabriel Jesus, who has years of Premier League experience.
While not a prerequisite, the Gunners can’t afford to have a player who will, in all likelihood, cost around €65m to spend the first few months acclimatising to the league. The argument can be made for Fabio Vieira, but his price tag was nearly half of what Paqueta’s is, and also, he is widely seen as a backup. Paqueta would arrive with mammoth expectations if he was signed for big-money.
As mentioned, it wouldn’t be the end of the world if Paqueta joined, but the lack of Premier League experience has cost Arsenal with high-priced players before. Just look at Nicolas Pepe.