Arsenal snubbed by Lucas Paqueta as Brazilian 'prefers' two Premier League rivals

Lyon midfielder Lucas Paqueta has given up on a potential move to Arsenal in hopes of securing a move to Premier League champions Manchester City or Tottenham Hotspur, according to reports. The Brazilian is believed to be hoping to move away from Ligue 1 this summer.

Paqueta has been linked with a move away from Lyon on several occasions this summer, and the player himself is also keen to leave. However, the 24-year-old is only open to heading to the Premier League if he can secure a move to City or Spurs as he doesn't want any other options, says .

The playmaker made 35 league appearances last season, scoring nine goals and registering six assists. His good form is believed to have caught the eye of Arsenal and Newcastle, who are both keen to continue improving their respective clubs in the later stages of this summer's transfer window.

But Paqueta does not want to leave Lyon in favor of a transfer from either side. The Gunners have been heavily linked with Paqueta in recent seasons, and Mikel Arteta is keen to add depth to his midfield this summer following the arrival of Fabio Vieira from FC Porto. Youri Tielemans of Leicester City has also been named as a target.

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City have already acquired the services of Kalvin Phillips this summer, signing the England international from Leeds United in a deal worth £42million. Phillips is set to replace Fernandinho in the squad, which is back in Brazil, although Pep Guardiola's side could be looking for a creative and versatile midfielder before the end of the window.

Barcelona are reportedly targeting Portuguese playmaker Bernardo Silva, who has been key to City's success in recent seasons. The Camp Nou outfit are believed to be waiting for Frenkie de Jong's sale to Manchester United to be completed before they can make an approach for Silva, who is delayed as the Dutch international doesn't want to leave.

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