Lucas Paqueta is reportedly open to joining Manchester City, who could target the Brazilian if Bernardo Silva joins Barcelona.
According to Media Foot Marseille, Lucas Paqueta could become Manchester City’s top choice to replace Bernardo Silva if the Portuguese international joins Barcelona. The Lyon midfielder is keen on leaving the French club and remains open to joining the Premier League champions ahead of other suitors like Arsenal and Newcastle United.
The summer transfer window is a month away from closure, and there could still be a few twists store. Although Manchester City have made a few high-profile signings, including Erling Haaland and Kalvin Phillips, there is still plenty left in their tank.
Pep Guardiola is keen on bringing in Marc Cucurella as a replacement for Oleksandr Zinchenko while keeping tabs on several attacking talents. However, the Premier League champions might be forced into considering signing a new attacking midfielder if things go against their wishes between now and the end of the window.
Since Guardiola’s arrival at the club, Manchester City have been open to letting unsettled players leave. Their ideals have resonated with the departures of Zinchenko, Raheem Sterling, and Gabriel Jesus this summer, while they also allowed Ferran Torres to join Barcelona last January.
Guardiola could be on the verge of losing another star player in his squad, as Bernardo Silva is a firm target for Barcelona. The Catalan giants are keen on signing the Portuguese international, and he could be seen as a replacement for Frenkie de Jong, although a move will be contingent on the Dutchman departing.
Barcelona have surprised many in this window and could yet sign Silva without losing de Jong. If the Portuguese midfielder leaves, Manchester City will be in the market for a suitable replacement, with Lucas Paqueta considered the ideal candidate.
Paqueta was linked with Manchester City recently and has been a firm target for Arsenal and Newcastle United throughout this window. However, Arsenal and Newcastle have delayed making a firm offer after initially baulking at Lyon’s high asking price.
But Lyon have reportedly slashed their asking price and could demand a reasonable fee of €40 million to part ways with the Brazilian. Paqueta is reportedly open to joining Manchester City if they come up with an offer. Manchester City have tasked super-agent Kia Joorabchian with getting the deal over the line.
Paqueta has been keen to leave Lyon this summer, although there have been no offers from suitors. However, Les Gones are open to a sale if they receive reasonable offers. Their final asking price is somewhat in the dark, but the demands could be significant, particularly if a club like Manchester City comes into the mix. As for Arsenal and Newcastle United, they might have to set their sights elsewhere.