Bruno Guimaraes wants to be reunited with Lucas Paqueta and wants his compatriot and ‘best friend’ at Newcastle United.
Some people expected Newcastle United’s new ownership to use their financial muscle and bring expensive talents in January. Contrary to their expectations, the Magpies were rather smart with their acquisitions and brought in players essential to Eddie Howe’s plans.
They spent significant amounts of money, close to £90 million and got in players that have helped them fight off the relegation scare and firmly cement their place in a mid-table position. Chief among them was the acquisition of Bruno Guimaraes, who was their costliest transfer in the last window.
The midfielder has brought a sense of adventure to the team, scored some vital goals and put on some top-notch performances for Newcastle since signing up. Despite being linked with Arsenal, the Brazilian chose to join the Magpies, who showed more intent in bringing him to the Premier League.
He now wants the club to make another sensible decision and bring in compatriot and former Lyon teammate Lucas Paqueta. Newcastle United are battling Arsenal for the Brazilian star, who could be sold by the French side during the summer window.
Guimaraes described Paqueta as his ‘best friend’, insisting it would be a dream to play alongside him at Newcastle United. In his comments quoted by The Boot Room via ESPN Brazil, the Magpies star conceded it wasn’t in his hands to convince Paqueta to join him in England, although reiterated his desire to play together.
Guimaraes said, “It would be my dream. Paquetá is my best friend, we made a relationship, not only on the field, but we lived together all the time outside. Our wives together too. It was really a brotherly relationship, we still talk every day. It would be really cool if he could come here, but I can’t do this job.”
While the Magpies could launch an approach for Paqueta, the Brazilian is also of interest to Arsenal and Atletico Madrid in the summer. If all clubs decide on pursuing the midfielder, it could turn into a transfer tussle in the next window.
Paqueta has a contract with Lyon until 2025 and has had a top-notch season for the French giants, scoring ten goals and providing seven assists in all competitions. Whether Newcastle decide to go all out for the Brazilian midfielder will be interesting to see.
