Premier League takes on Lucas Paqueta
OL would have done well without it. This Thursday evening, the residents of Groupama Stadium will face West Ham in the quarter-final second leg of the Europa League (match to follow live with commentary on our site). A European meeting that Lucas Paqueta will miss. Absent from training yesterday, the Brazilian was not in the group retained by Peter Bosz since he tested positive for covid-19. Very bad news for the player and his club. But also for his suitors. Because yes, the international auriverde (31 selections, 7 goals) attracts attention.
A powerful starter in Lyon (32 starts in 38 games played), the versatile midfielder scored 9 goals and delivered 6 assists. But the 24-year-old, who had started the season on a high, has been inconsistent and less lively lately. He has, in fact, only scored 2 goals since the start of 2022. This does not prevent certain teams from appreciating him very highly. They were also counting on tonight’s game to see it again.
A battle of millions for Paqueta
Indeed, according to information from Chronicles, two Premier League residents are very interested in him. The British media announces that Arsenal and Newcastle are in the fight to secure the services of the OL player. The Magpies dream of pairing him with his friend and former team-mate Bruno Guimarães, bought this winter when the Gunners were on the go. The Toons are also counting on the presence of Bruno G to help them attract his compatriot. Guimarães would have already mentioned the project and life in Newcastle with Paqueta.
A very appreciated player and observed on several occasions by Steve Nickson, the head of recruitment. The Magpies, who have significant financial power, are hopeful of recruiting him. This, despite the interest of the Gunners or even PSG, which no longer seems so hot on this file. the Chronicles speaks of a transfer to 58 M£, or approximately 69 M€ and a weekly salary of 216,000 euros. Enough to do business for OL, which is hoping for a big sale from Paqueta this summer. An amount of €60 million had been mentioned. It could be more if the English decide to break the bank!
