Newcastle United target Lucas Paqueta now ‘wants to leave’ Lyon this summer, claims journalist Daniele Longo.

The Lowdown: Paqueta’s season

The Brazil international made 35 appearances in the French top-flight during the 2021/22 campaign, contributing nine goals and six assists from an attacking-midfield position.

However, after the Ligue 1 outfit failed to qualify for a single continental competition, a number of transfer rumours emerged linking the player with a move away from the club.

As a result, Premier League sides Arsenal and Newcastle have been touted as having a heavy interest in the 24-year-old, who is best friends with Bruno Guimaraes.

The Latest: Longo’s news

Longo has now shared the latest transfer news involving Paqueta.

Taking to Twitter, the journalist claimed: "Arsenal and Newcastle are interested in Lucas Paqueta. The Brazilian midfielder wants to leave Lyon. Milan is entitled to 15% of its price.”

This follows reports earlier on Monday that Newcastle's hierarchy definitely hold interest but are split over whether to make a move.

The Verdict: Difficult signing to secure

Paqueta’s underlying figures clearly highlight the reasons as to why Eddie Howe and Mikel Arteta are so keen on signing the 'extraordinary' Brazilian midfielder.

When compared with positional peers across Europe over the past year, the 24-year-old ranks in the 99th percentile for tackles but also the 91st percentile for shots and 87th for progressive passes, showing an immensely well-rounded skill-set. (via FBRef).

However, as good as Paqueta appears to be, making this transfer all the more exciting, this also brings about the challenge of securing the player’s signature.

With a current market valuation between £42.4m and £59.3m, negotiations with Lyon will prove to be difficult, and the signing seems quite unlikely at this stage in the transfer window, especially with Arsenal providing Dan Ashworth with strong competition in the race for Paqueta's services.

Perhaps the new Magpies sporting chief can swoop in late in the window if the Ligue 1 outfit get desperate.