Money proving a problem in Newcastle’s pursuit of Brazilian star, he preferred Arsenal

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Newcastle United want Lucas Paqueta but it’s claimed that money have been the biggest problem in attempting to sign the Lyon playmaker.

The Magpies look set to secure a big signing with Real Sociedad striker Alexander Isak on his way to St James’ Park.

That may mean that there are no more big-money signings heading to Newcastle before next week’s transfer deadline.

Newcastle can’t go mad on signings even with PIF’s investment, as FFP rules will prohibit huge spending – and that means Lucas Paqueta may not join after all.

Newcastle United want Lucas Paqueta

Paqueta has been linked with Newcastle throughout 2022, partly due to his friendship with Bruno Guimaraes.

The two Brazilians played together at Lyon and are pretty much best friends off the pitch too, with Guimaraes even publicly admitting that he would like Paqueta to join him at Newcastle.

Reports from Foot Mercato earlier this week suggested that Newcastle were ready to put £42million on the table to sign Paqueta.

UOL in Paqueta’s native Brazil now have an update, claiming that whilst Newcastle have wanted Paqueta all summer, money is the big problem.

It’s stated that Newcastle just haven’t managed to come up with an offer to suit Lyon, and they haven’t been able to convince Paqueta about the move either.

UOL claim that Paqueta does want to move to England, but is eyeing a perceivably bigger move than Newcastle as things stand.

Paqueta had more interest in joining Manchester City or Arsenal, who showed an interest in signing him in earlier in the transfer window.

However, it’s noted that both clubs have ‘already given up’ on trying to sign Paqueta and those moves won’t materialise before next week’s deadline.

The Brazilian press seemingly can’t see Paqueta joining Newcastle now, noting that the Magpies are in a race against time.

Newcastle’s project is exciting, but it will take time to convince some top stars around Europe to join them.

Whilst the move appealed to Guimares, Kieran Trippier and now Isak, it seemingly isn’t grabbing Paqueta, showing that Newcastle still have some way to go in terms of their appeal.

That will absolutely come given time, and maybe Newcastle can go back in for Paqueta down the line – if he hasn’t joined a Premier League rival by then.