According to L’Equipe, Manchester City are interested in signing Lucas Paqueta, who is also a target for Arsenal and Newcastle.
What’s the story?
Well, it was said that the Brazil international is tempted by a move to Newcastle, where his friend Bruno Guimaraes resides following his exit from Lyon in January.
Elsewhere, some sources have claimed that Arsenal will lodge a bid for Paqueta, as Edu – Director of Football at the Emirates Stadium – knows the Lyon No.10 well.
Now, however, Eddie Howe and Mikel Arteta face competition from Pep Guardiola.
L’Equipe believe Paqueta is now on the radar of Manchester City, who will make a serious push for the South American if Bernardo Silva leaves the Etihad Stadium.
Barcelona are supposedly interested in signing the Portugal international.
L’Equipe add that Lyon are happy to sell Paqueta this summer, and the attacking midfielder himself is keen to leave.
However, Jean-Michel Aulas hopes to receive a new club-record fee for the 24-year-old, who is said to be valued at £68m.
As things stand, the £53.8m sale of Tanguy Ndombele to Tottenham in 2019 is Lyon’s club-record exit.
Interest in Paqueta comes after he scored ten goals in 42 appearances last season, while also providing seven assists – his efforts saw him named Best Foreign Player in Ligue 1.
Manchester City interest is a problem for Arsenal & Newcastle
In our view, talk of Manchester City expressing an interest in Paqueta should spark Arteta and Howe into action.
As we all know, the Citizens can afford to sign basically anyone they want, so if Arsenal and Newcastle continue to hesitate, they could end up allowing Guardiola to swoop in and pinch their target.
Manchester City can also offer Paqueta the chance to play Champions League football, something Arsenal and Newcastle are currently unable to provide.
Keep an eye on this situation, as we would be very surprised to see Paqueta stay at Lyon this summer.
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