Newcastle United in talks with Lucas Paqueta

Premier League side Newcastle United are reportedly in discussions to sign 24-year-old Brazilian international Lucas Paqueta from Lyon.

According to reputed Italian journalist Rudy Galetti, Newcastle United are preparing an offer for Lyon’s attacking midfielder Lucas Paqueta. The Magpies are eager to add at least one big-name player to their squad this summer, and the Brazilian international is among the names being considered at St. James’ Park.

Newcastle are currently in discussions with the 24-year-old’s entourage, and the negotiations are at a ‘good stage’, Galetti has reported. Paqueta still has three years remaining on his contract with Lyon, but the Ligue 1 heavyweights could consider selling him if the right bid arrives.

The midfielder’s first taste of European football came with AC Milan, who signed him from Flamengo in the 2019 winter transfer window. But Paqueta could not hit the ground running in Italy and struggled to rake up numbers for the Rossoneri in his a season-and-a-half long stay in Milan.

After scoring just once and assisting thrice in 44 matches for the current Serie A champions, Paqueta was sold to Lyon. The Brazilian international has found a new lease of life in France, scoring 21 times and assisting 13 goals for Les Gones in 78 appearances.

?? #Newcastle are preparing an offer to #OL for Lucas #Paquetá. The ??????? club would like to buy at least one top player and the ?? is among the favorites. ⚪⚫

? Personal terms under discussion, at a good stage: rapidly evolving situation.?⚽ #Transfers #NUFC pic.twitter.com/IiCgCtQypc

— Rudy Galetti (@RudyGaletti) May 28, 2022

Paqueta scored 11 goals and provided seven assists in the recently-concluded season, attracting interest from all around Europe. The 24-year-old is quite versatile, having featured as a central midfielder, right-winger and a centre-forward on top of reprising his favoured no. 10 role.

It was reported recently that Newcastle United had decided to step up their interest in the Brazilian international, and the Magpies now seem to have made significant progress in the negotiations. Newcastle United are preparing for a summer overhaul under their new owners after a second-half resurgence helped them finish 11th in the Premier League standings.

Eddie Howe has done a commendable job since taking over from Steve Bruce last year, and the new owners are ready to provide him with the required funds to sign suitable players. Paqueta has emerged as one of the major targets for Newcastle United, but the Magpies may have to ward off interest from Arsenal.