Rumours linking Newcastle United and Lucas Paqueta refuse to go away.
The Brazilian was a target in January, but Newcastle’s bid to land the midfielder was turned down by Lyon.
The Magpies were able to sign his teammate and close friend Bruno Guimaraes though, which has led to speculation that Paqueta could join him in the North East.
That speculation became a lot louder this week when The Times claimed Newcastle are willing to break their transfer record to sign the 24-year-old. They reported that he could cost around £50million.
He would become Newcastle’s most expensive signing ever, but it would be a deal that would put the Magpies under pressure to sell. It has been reported that Newcastle’s transfer budget stands at £60million, but that can be increased through players sales.
With that figure in mind, a move for Paqueta perhaps wouldn’t be wise. But what about a bid to land his teammate?
Lyon could be forced to sell their star players
Lyon finished eighth in Ligue 1 this season, meaning they’ve failed to qualify for Europe. They are therefore willing to sell some of their top players to help raise funds.
That includes Paqueta, but it also includes Houssem Aouar. He’s a 23-year-old French midfielder, and he could be a better option for Newcastle. He would certainly be cheaper, that’s for sure. Paqueta is valued at £50million, while Aouar might only cost £13million.
Paqueta would be a great signing for sentimental reasons given his friendship with Bruno, but he perhaps wouldn’t be a perfect fit for the Magpies.
The Brazil international is more of an attacking midfielder, whereas Eddie Howe has been using a 4-3-3 formation at St James’ Park.
Newcastle haven’t really played with an out-and-out ‘number 10’. That means Paqueta would possibly have to play deeper, which may not suit him. Alternatively, Howe would have to shift his system, which he might be unwilling to do.
Aouar would be a better signing for Newcastle
Aouar can also be an attacking midfielder, but he is more often used in a deeper role. That’s where he has primarily played for Lyon this season.
He’s an elegant footballer with great vision and dribbling ability, while he also has end product to back up his skill on the ball. Aouar scored six times in Ligue 1 this season and provided four assists. The only Newcastle player to match that tally of 10 goal contributions this season is Allan Saint-Maximin.
While he perhaps doesn’t have the battling qualities of Joelinton, his ability in possession could give Newcastle something extra in midfield.
You need midfielders who can break the lines with a killer pass. Bruno can do that, and so can Jonjo Shelvey. Aouar is also capable, and has scope to get better at the age of 23.
If Howe is looking for a pass master rather than a midfield general, a move for Aouar could be an astute bit of business.
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