Mercato OL: the Premier League attacks Lucas Paqueta
Unable to play against West Ham this Thursday night, Lucas Paqueta is talking about him this Thursday in England. Indeed, two Premier League players are crazy about him.
The OL would have done well without it. This Thursday evening, the residents of the Groupama Stadium will face West Ham in the quarter-final second leg of the Europa League (match to be followed live on our site). A European appointment that Lucas Paqueta will miss. Absent from training yesterday, the Brazilian was not in the group selected by Peter Bosz because he tested positive for covid-19. A very bad news for the player and his club. But also for his suitors. Because yes, the international auriverde (31 caps, 7 goals) attracts the eyes.
The versatile midfielder has been a regular starter at Lyon (32 starts in 38 games played), scoring 9 goals and providing 6 assists. But the 24-year-old, who started the season on a high note, has been irregular and less in the spotlight lately. He has, in fact, scored only 2 goals since the beginning of the year 2022. This does not prevent some teams to appreciate it very strongly. They were counting on tonight’s game to observe him again.
A battle of millions for Paqueta
Indeed, according to the Chronicle, two Premier League sides are very interested in him. The British media reports that Arsenal and Newcastle are in the fight for the services of the player of the OL. The Magpies dream of combining him with his friend and former teammate Bruno Guimaraes, bought this winter while the Gunners were on the case. The Toons are counting on the presence of Bruno G to help them attract his compatriot. Guimaraes has already discussed the project and life in Newcastle with Paqueta.
A player who is very appreciated and observed several times by Steve Nickson, the head of recruitment. The Magpies, who have significant financial power, are confident of recruiting him. This, despite the interest of the Gunners and PSG, which does not seem to be so hot on this file. The Chronicle talks about a transfer price of £58 million, or about €69 million and a weekly salary of 216,000 euros. This would be good for OL, who are hoping for a big sale of Paqueta this summer. An amount of €60 million had been mentioned. It could be more if the English decide to break the bank!
