Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United are aware that they are facing strong competition from Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal for Lyon midfielder Lucas Paqueta in the summer transfer window, according to The Northern Echo.
The report has claimed that Newcastle are aware that Lyon are willing to reduce their asking price for Paqueta.
The Magpies also know that they are also facing “strong competition from Arsenal”.
The Northern Echo have added that Newcastle have paused their pursuit of Leicester City attacking midfielder James Maddison after having their latest bid of £45 million plus a further £5 million in add-ons rejected.
Could Newcastle sign Arsenal target Lucas Paqueta?
In our view, Newcastle United could be able to sign Lucas Paqueta from Lyon ahead of Arsenal in the summer transfer window.
The Brazil international midfielder, who earns £49,000 per week (SalarySport), is a good friend of Bruno Guimaraes, who joined Newcastle from Lyon in January 2022, and that could play a big role.
However, Arsenal Technical Director Edu has publicly said that he likes Paqueta, and if the Gunners are willing to pay what Lyon want for him, then they could be able to convince him to move to the Emirates Stadium.
The Lyon star made 32 starts and three substitute appearances in Ligue 1 last season, scoring nine goals and providing six assists in the process.
Paqueta also made five starts and four substitute appearances in the UEFA Europa League last season, scoring two goals and providing one assist in the process.
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