Newcastle United have reportedly been handed a major boost in their pursuit of Lucas Paqueta, who wants to move to St. James’ Park this summer.
Newcastle United have been given fresh hope of signing Lucas Paqueta this summer, with Lyon slashing their valuation to £33 million. That is according to 90 min, who claim that the Brazilian international has made no secret of the fact that he is keen on reuniting with his good friend Bruno Guimaraes at St. James’ Park.
Lucas Paqueta to Newcastle United is a speculation that keeps cropping up, but it is one that has failed to materialise as of yet. Throughout the summer transfer window, the Toon faithful have dreamed of seeing Paqueta and Bruno Guimaraes link back up in a black and white shirt, and the Brazilian international’s visit to Tyneside in May fueled speculation of a potential summer switch.
While Paqueta has remained available throughout the summer, Newcastle never looked like pressing ahead with any attempt to sign him, partly down to the exorbitant valuation slapped on his head by Lyon. But according to 90 min, Lyon have reduced their asking price down to a reasonable £33 million plus add-ons.
That sum would make him more affordable and appealing to the Magpies, who have so far only hit the brick wall in their multiple pursuits of the likes of James Maddison, Jack Harrison and Moussa Diaby, among others. As a result, Newcastle have now turned their attention back to Paqueta, with just under two weeks left in the transfer window, and with Eddie Howe desperate for more attacking additions to his side.
Since joining Lyon from AC Milan for £17 million in 2020, the 24-year-old has been a standout performer, grabbing 21 goals and 13 assists in 79 appearances for the Ligue 1 outfit across all competitions while proving to be a creative fulcrum of the team from his attacking midfield role.
However, the Brazilian international is pushing for an exit from France, despite still having three years left to run at the Groupama Stadium, and is keen to test his mettle in the Premier League. There is no doubt that Paqueta would bring goals and creativity to Newcastle, having ranked among the top 2 per cent of midfielders for shot-creating actions and dribbles completed.
Also, he is a supreme passer of the ball and exceptional at link-up plays, while his defensive output is also excellent. Meanwhile, Paqueta’s reunion with Guimaraes would be a cherry on the cake thanks to their impeccable chemistry on the pitch, with the latter having a transformational impact on Newcastle’s style of play.
But the Magpies will face stiff competition from fellow Premier League clubs such as Manchester City and Arsenal. So, while Paqueta is open to joining Newcastle and available for £33 million, it is safe to say, the Magpies still have a lot of ground to cover to reach an agreement with Lyon for Paqueta.