Arsenal have locked heads with rivals, Tottenham Hotspur over the transfer of Lucas Moura from Paris Saint-Germain. Manchester United have bowed out of the race now that they found their star in Alexis Sanchez and it looks like a £35m bid is being prepared by Arsenal to sign the Brazilian on a permanent move rather than on a loan deal. The Paris Saint-Germain wide man is no longer the first choice under Unai Emery and is ready to leave rather than warming the benches for another season.
Lucas arrived at the Parc des Princes in the summer of 2012 for a then-record fee of €35m. He was an immediate hit with the ambition to become the best player in the world. But as it occurs to many teenage sensations in Europe, the 25-year-old failed to deliver and dropped way below the pecking order. The arrival of Julian Draxler, Angel Di Maria and Neymar has certainly not helped his case with the former Sao Paulo attacker registering less than 90 minutes of game time this season.
Lucas’ pace and close control dictate the majority of his game. Blessed with remarkable dribbling abilities, it is hard for fullbacks to matchup to the Brazilian’s talents. He is a nightmare for all defenders alike and can make a huge impact at the Emirates.
But why is he suddenly being considered even after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s deal is so close to being done? Is Lucas the backup option or has Mesut Ozil is also looking towards the exit door?
The German international’s contract situation has gone down quite similarly as Alexis Sanchez’s until the January transfer break. But his dedication and enthusiasm have not flustered even with talks of interests from elite sides, and the 29-year-old has been quite impressive this season.
Manchester United were in the pole position to land the creative midfielder’s signature with Jose Mourinho at the helm but over the recent departure of his Chilean teammate, Wenger can rest easy at least till the end of the season.
Lucas should also be considered as an option to replace Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain who made his way out of the club to sign with Liverpool last summer. His absence even though has not really been significant, a player of his talents will always be felt in a title contending side.
The North London club has bid adieu to Francis Coquelin and Theo Walcott as well over the past couple of weeks and maybe Lucas can give the side the cutting edge to win the Europa League and the EFL League Cup.
