Lucas Paqueta is reportedly open to a move from Lyon to Newcastle United.
That’s according to 90min, who claim that the 24-year-old is interested in reuniting with his good friend Bruno Guimaraes.
The Brazilian duo struck up a friendship at Lyon, but that was split up at the start of the year by the Magpies. After failing to sign Paqueta, the new Toon owners managed to bring Bruno to St James’ Park.
It’s a transfer that has completely transformed Newcastle’s midfield. Bruno is already a club hero after just half a season.
There has always been hope that he could be reunited with Paqueta on Tyneside, and 90min believe there is still a chance that could happen this summer.
Paqueta available to Newcastle for £33m
90min believe that the Brazil international is now open to a move to the North East. They also state that his asking price has been dramatically slashed.
Paqueta was previously going to cost a club record fee, but 90min believe he is now available for £33million. That makes him more affordable for Newcastle, given we offered more than that for James Maddison.
90min claim that after missing out on the Leicester midfielder, Newcastle are focussing their efforts on signing Paqueta. For a lot of fans, he would be a better signing.
Throughout 2022, the Toon Army have dreamed of seeing Paqueta and Bruno link back up in a black and white shirt. He visited the Newcastle midfielder earlier in the summer, and was also pictured donning a Magpies top in Bruno’s back garden.
Bruno has not hidden his desire for Paqueta to join him at St James’ Park. Meanwhile, Joelinton has also spoke about wanting the club to sign the Lyon superstar.
Away from the sentiment of friends being potentially reunited, Paqueta is a phenomenal player too. Like Bruno, he’s a Brazil international and will very likely be going to the World Cup.
He has an x-factor in attack that Newcastle are missing right now, and could be a game-changing addition to Eddie Howe’s squad. He’s now a bit more affordable too, which has to make him more appealing.
However, the only worry is that no other outlet is making claims about Newcastle still trying to sign Paqueta. 90min appear to be the only place flying the friends reunited flag.
With that in mind, it would still come as a real surprise to see Paqueta lining up at St James’ Park this season.
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