Groupama Stadium, Lyon, France - September 30, 2021, Olympique Lyonnais' Lucas Paqueta reacts.
Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has confirmed he has received bids for Tottenham Hotspur target Lucas Paqueta, with both north London clubs name-checked in the report.
The Lowdown: Paqueta to Spurs?
According to French outlet L’Equipe, the 24-year-old has expressed his desire to depart the Groupama Stadium this summer, despite still having three years remaining on his contract, with the Ligue 1 outfit open to letting him go if the right offer was to come in.
Football.London first credited the Lilywhites with an interest in the midfielder last month, stating that he is one of the leading names on Antonio Conte’s radar, but they are set to face competition from their Premier League rivals Arsenal, who have recently stepped up their efforts to land his services.
The Latest: Aulas confirms bids
After speculation of a move to Tottenham, Aulas revealed that Lyon have received offers for Paqueta and delivered an update on his future. As quoted by the Evening Standard, he said:
“There are proposals for him.
“There are certain players who can feel complete in the project, and others who don’t. Economically, we have the means to pursue our ideas and objectives.
“The coach gave us his opinion and there is also what the players wants to do.”
Manager Peter Bosz also admitted that the door is open for the maestro’s exit, stating:
“I want to keep all the good players, but you also have to be realistic. Lucas is a very important player, but it depends on what the player wants. I already had a conversation with him, but that will be between us.”
It is not yet clear whether the ‘proposals’ are from north London, but the report name-checks the Lilywhites, Gunners and also Newcastle United.
The Verdict: Eriksen alternative?
Given the fact that Spurs didn’t push ahead with a move for Christian Eriksen, you would assume that they have someone else in mind who they want to fill that attacking midfield role, and Paqueta could be the man they are targeting.
The Brazilian, who was described as an ‘incredible signing’ when linked with Newcastle by former footballer Frank McAvennie, netted 11 goals and provided seven assists for Lyon in all competitions last season (Transfermarkt), a brilliant return. He also adds a combative presence by ranking in Europe’s 99th percentile for tackles made by players in his position.
The 33-cap international came close to signing for the Magpies back in January so clearly has an eye for English football, and with no European competition on offer in Lyon, the allure of Spurs’ status in the Champions League could surely turn his head.
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