Premier League side Newcastle United are reportedly prepared to step up interest in Lyon midfielder Lucas Paqueta.
The Times report that Newcastle United are ready to step up their interest in Lyon’s Brazilian midfielder Lucas Paqueta. Manager Eddie Howe has made the player one of his top targets, and the Magpies are planning to make an official approach.
Newcastle are expected to flex their financial muscle under their new owners and could break their transfer record to land Paqueta. The 24-year-old is currently valued at £50 million, and paying that much will eclipse the £43 million fees Newcastle spent to sign Bruno Guimaraes in the January transfer window.
Paqueta joined Lyon from AC Milan in the summer of 2020 in an £18 million deal. Paqueta found a new lease of life in France after struggling to make an impact in Serie A. For the Rossoneri, the Brazilian international made 44 appearances but could muster just one goal and three assists.
Over at Lyon, however, the 24-year-old midfielder has been highly productive with an output of 21 goals and 13 assists in 78 appearances. This season, he has scored 11 goals and provided seven assists across all competitions, which has shot his price tag upward and forced other clubs to take notice.
Paqueta’s versatility stands out as he has been deployed as a number ten, centre forward, right-winger and central midfielder in Ligue 1 this season. Arsenal have also been linked with the midfielder, along with Newcastle United.
Newcastle, who are preparing for a huge summer, are getting linked with hoards of players from all around Europe. The new owners are set to inject cash to facilitate Newcastle’s summer dealings and ensure they are well stacked ahead of the next season.
Howe has been highly impressive since joining the Magpies halfway through the 2021/22 season. Newcastle United were without a league win when the former Bournemouth boss took over, and he led the club to an 11th-placed finish.
Howe was aided by winter signings, with the likes of Guimaraes and Kieran Trippier taken on board. A lot more players are expected to move to the St. James’ Park come the summer and Paqueta could be one of them given Newcastle are now stepping up their pursuit of the Brazilian, with a club-record £50 million transfer on the cards.
