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Valencia join Premier League teams in chase for PSG winger’s signature

By Benjamin Barkworth

METZ, FRANCE - SEPTEMBER 08: Lucas Moura of Paris Saint-Germain Football Club or PSG celebrates scoring a goal with Thomas Meunier during the Ligue 1 match between Metz and Paris Saint Germain or PSG held at Stade Saint-Symphorien on September 8, 2017 in Metz, France. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
METZ, FRANCE - SEPTEMBER 08: Lucas Moura of Paris Saint-Germain Football Club or PSG celebrates scoring a goal with Thomas Meunier during the Ligue 1 match between Metz and Paris Saint Germain or PSG held at Stade Saint-Symphorien on September 8, 2017 in Metz, France. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images) /
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Lucas Moura is a target of multiple clubs as the Parisian side seek to get rid of him.

The Brazilian winger is likely to move in the January transfer window according to Sky Sports. Valencia are the latest side to express an interest in signing him as they seek to build on their impressive season under Marcelino. The Brazilian would add depth to a side that needs it in order to maintain their impressive league campaign. They are also through to the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey, so they could win silverware.

Valencia lack a true wide threat on the right side. Santi Mina has been converted into a forward while Marcelino usually plays a central midfielder or wide playmaker there. Having Moura would give Marcelino more versatility in his options while also reducing the reliance on Gonçalo Guedes. The Portuguese winger has become the creative figure in the team from his position on the left-wing.

Moura is attracting plenty of interest from around Europe due to his ability as well as the cheap price he is available for. PSG are reported to want around £23m for him. Manchester United were heavily linked with him, but the Alexis Sánchez transfer appears to have scuppered that. Tottenham and Arsenal are the main Premier League clubs linked with him while Shandong Luneng in China are also after him. Napoli were linked with him as well but they appear to have completed a deal for an alternative option.

Who should he join?

Valencia offer the chance to play in the best league. They are also the team most likely to be in the Champions League due to being six points ahead of fifth place. The Copa del Rey offers the chance for silverware as well with Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid already knocked out. Marcelino is at the start of an ambitious project which aims to get Valencia back to the upper echelons of La Liga consistently.

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The issue with Valencia is that they can’t offer the wages that the Premier League teams can. This ability to play in a top league while also receiving significant wages makes the Premier League a tempting proposition.

Arsenal could offer more in that regard while Tottenham can guarantee more game time. Spurs need a player who can be direct in the final third through dribbling ability. Moura offers this and more so he would be ideal for Mauricio Pochettino.

Arsenal also represent more of a risk because they are in a period of overhaul. Behind the scenes, the personnel has changed substantially while key players are also leaving.

Arsene Wenger isn’t likely to be there in the long-term either. Tottenham are a lot more stable due to Pochettino having full support from the board as they move into their new stadium. The issue with them is their strict wage structure that limits what they can offer.

Next: Tottenham's most likely January signing

Moura’s motivations are unclear so it’s hard to say what he wants exactly. Tottenham offer the best chance to improve as a player with the bonus of competing for silverware in the near future. Valencia are similar in that they are an exciting project, but they provide the best chance to play Champions League football. Arsenal represent too much of a risk because of the uncertainty surrounding them.

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