ARSENAL transfer chief Edu has admitted he has 'always liked Lyon playmaker Lucas Paqueta.

The Gunners' technical director has been discussing a potential move for the 24-year-old attacking midfielder.

The news comes after Ligue 1 side Lyon slashed their asking price by £21million.

A major stumbling block in the transfer has been Lyon chairman Jean-Michel Aulas demanding an unlikely figure of £55million for the player.

However, according to reports coming out of France, Aulas is now prepared to accept a £34m fee for the talented 24-year-old - a whopping £21m less than the original asking price. 

The 33-cap Brazil international has been heavily linked with a switch to North London, with technical director Edu believed to have held talks with the player's associates.  

Speaking about the midfielder, Edu told TNT Sports Brazil: "I’m very respectful when I talk about Lucas.

"I’m a guy who likes him a lot, I’ve always liked him, since my time with Brazil’s national team.

"He’s had a great season, he was considered the best [overseas] player in the French league...there’s only my admiration for the player."