Newcastle United have ‘an interest’ in Lyon midfielder Lucas Paqueta but internal 'talk' from the club's leadership seems split over a move, claims transfer insider Dean Jones.
The Lowdown: Tipped for exit
The Brazil international has been tipped to leave the Ligue 1 outfit this summer after the club failed to qualify for European competition.
Back in April, The Chronicle reported that the Magpies were in the race with Arsenal for the attacking midfielder’s signature, but a formal offer is still yet to be tabled by either Premier League side.
According to French outlet L’Equipe (via The Chronicle), Paqueta now wants to leave Lyon this summer, with club president Jean-Michel Aulas having claimed that it would take £68m to do so.
The Latest: Jones lifts lid on internal discussions
Jones believes that a Newcastle move for Pacqueta could be difficult, since his situation is a ‘tricky one’, revealing that those within the club are not all on the same page.
Speaking with GiveMeSport, the journalist explained: “It’s a tricky one Paqueta, because it depends which side of the Newcastle ownership you talk to about him being a target. I’m told not to take it too seriously at this stage, but there is an interest.”
The Verdict: Would be a huge signing
When looking at the 24-year-old’s underlying stats, it is clear to see that this would be an incredible signing for Eddie Howe’s side.
When compared with positional peers across Europe over the past year, Paqueta ranks in the 99th percentile for tackles, in the 96th percentile for pressures and in the 94th percentile for progressive passes received (via FBRef), numbers which depict a combative midfielder with an eye for picking up space in the attacking third.
Described as an ‘extraordinary’ player by manager Peter Bosz, it is easy to see why the Magpies would be interested in making a swoop for the Brazilian star.
However, with such a high valuation, this transfer seems unlikely to unfold this summer unless the club's hierarchy become fully convinced to go all in.