Tottenham or Manchester City would be the most likely destination for Lyon midfielder Lucas Paqueta, according to a report from France, with the Brazilian having no interest in joining Newcastle United or Arsenal this summer.
And, as per L’equipe, Tottenham have already seen one bid turned down for the midfielder, having seen their 40m euro offer knocked back in January as they looked to strengthen in the winter window. They remain on the hunt for an attacking midfielder, and Paqueta, who netted eight goals and grabbed a further six assists in an otherwise disappointing campaign for the French side.
The Brazilian asked to leave Lyon this summer, refusing to begin negotiations about a new contract, with his current deal expiring in 2025.
According to CBS sports, despite earlier suggestions that it would take a fee of around 80m euros (£70m) for the Ligue 1 side to part ways with their talismanic figure, Lyon President Jean-Michel Aulas is not thought to be set on holding out for quite as much, and will instead sell for a knockdown sum.
The French club won’t stand in the 24-year-old’s way should that valuation be met, and of course, there will be hope on the side of the interested parties that they could haggle that fee down below the £50m mark.
While L’equipe claim that Arsenal have already been rejected by the Brazilian, transfer director Edu Gaspar has previously revealed that no talks took place between the Gunners and Paqueta’s entourage, explaining that ‘as of today, the reality is that there’s not even a conversation to sign him. There’s nothing”.
Manchester City waiting in the wings?
Should such a move materialise, Pep Guardiola may come calling for the Brazilian, though at present Frenkie de Jong’s decision to remain at Barcelona rather than join Manchester United may prevent the dominos from falling.
