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What's the story?
Paris Saint-Germain winger Lucas Moura has been advised to leave the Ligue 1 giants and join Arsenal, by former Chelsea and PSG defender Alex. In an interview with L'Equipe, the retired Brazilian urged his former teammate to leave for the Premier League, confirming that the Gunners had already made contact with the PSG winger. Moura has found game-time difficult to come by this season, and Alex offered a solution saying, "I would like to see him at Arsenal. They play cleaner football, more technical. He had contacts, I believe. That would be a good option for him this winter."
Also Read: The 10 most expensive signings in Ligue 1
In case you didn't know...
Lucas Moura began his career coming through the Sao Paolo academy in Brazil, before featuring for the senior side in 2010. His performances in the Brasilerao led to a three-way battle for his signature between Manchester United, Inter Milan and Paris St-Germain. Ultimately, PSG won out, spending a record €45 million to bring the Brazilian to Paris in 2012. In the 5 seasons since, Moura has made 212 appearances for the Ligue 1 giants, scoring 44 goals in that period.
The heart of the matter
With the arrivals of Neymar Jr. and Kylian Mbappe, Lucas Moura has been relegated to the sidelines. PSG have played 11 competitive games this season, and Moura has only made two appearances, totalling 36 minutes on the pitch, while he's been named on the bench 6 times under Unai Emery.
Moura will be facing plenty of competition for his place in the 2018 FIFA World Cup Brazil squad and is understandably looking to leave in January itself.
Arsenal are keen on making an attacking addition on the right wing, as they are likely to suffer departures in January, with Theo Walcott rumoured to leave for Everton. Lucas would offer a huge upgrade on Walcott, with the Gunners also able to convince PSG to sell their star for a cut-price fee.
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Author's Take:
Arsenal aren't the most attractive of prospects to most players in the current climate, but Lucas Moura would do well to heed the advice of Alex. The Brazilian would be an instant hit with the Gunners and could comfortably compete for a place in their first XI, on the right wing. In addition, PSG could recoup a decent fee for a squad player in January, with Arsenal likely to be desperate for additions.
