Barcelona and Real Madrid are reportedly looking at another Brazilian wonderkid, with Flamengo star Lucas Paqueta on the radar of the Spanish duo.
If the report from Spanish publication Don Balon is to be believed, another Brazilian wonderkid has propped up on the radar of Barcelona and Real Madrid. Flamengo midfielder Lucas Paqueta is the latest prospect to interest the two Spanish giants, with clubs like Manchester United, Manchester City and PSG also keeping a track of the star.
Barcelona and Real Madrid are both historically connected to the Latin American region. The two clubs have an extensive scouting network in the region and have always sought to nab the best of prospects and future superstars right out the gate.
Recently, Barcelona brought in Arthur Melo, Marlon Santos and Yerry Mina. Melo arrived in the summer of 2018, a transfer window that also saw the two other Latin American recruits depart. But, more importantly, it is the prospects that they lost out on that will frustrate them.
Real Madrid bagged Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo from Brazil, two that belong to the top brass of the highly regarded up-and-coming stars from the region. Both the players were on the radar of Barcelona, but Los Blancos managed to beat their arch rivals to the signature of the two youngsters.
Another player that might spark a transfer war between Barcelona and Real Madrid is reportedly Lucas Paqueta. The 21-year-old has been playing lights out for Flamengo in the current season. 6 goals and 2 assists in 20 league games, the midfielder’s performance has caught the attention of both Barcelona and Real Madrid.
That the midfielder is already being compared to the likes of Andres Iniesta, Xavi and Luka Modric might also be one of the contributing factors towards the two Spanish giants taking a keen interest in the 21-year-old.
Barcelona seem well-stocked in the said position, especially after the arrival of Arturo Vidal and Arthur. But, Ivan Rakitic is on the radar of other clubs and could exit the club in the near future. Should it happen, Lucas Paqueta might be considered to fill up the spot. Granted, the Catalans are already filled up on their Non-EU Registration spots.
But, they are also looking to replace Luis Suarez, which could make room for Paqueta to come in.
Real Madrid, on the other hand, have not been able to replace Mateo Kovacic in the summer transfer window. While they have started the season on a bright note, their midfield options do wear a bit thin, something Lucas Paqueta will be able to fix, if he was to be brought in.
Also, Florentino Perez hopes that, in time, Paqueta will be able to phase Luka Modric out of the lineup and replace him.
Barcelona look to gain first option for Paqueta while Real Madrid are looking to bag a deal to sign the 21-year-old outright. Paqueta is reported to have already said no to PSG and highlighted his desire to stay at Flamengo. But, should Barcelona or Real Madrid come knocking, Paqueta might have a change of heart.
For now, he would be glad about the magnitude of interest that his talent is able to generate.
