A report has now revealed the big offer that Newcastle United have already made to try and sign Lucas Paqueta.
The Lowdown: Offer now known
Foot Mercato reported earlier this week that the St. James’ Park faithful had had an offer rejected for Paqueta, of whom they are targeting in the January transfer window, because the player’s camp did not think that they would be a step-up in terms of quality from Lyon.
However, it was not disclosed how much they offered in terms of a transfer fee, but an amount has now been revealed.
The Latest: Big offer
As per le10sport, the North East club have made a ‘first offer’ worth €40m (£34m) to sign Paqueta, and are ‘clearly able to climb higher’.
It is not quite the club record £40m that they paid for Joelinton back in 2019, but as a first offer, it suggests that it could take a transfer fee which would then eventually surpass that mark.
However, the £34m offer has now been rejected by Lyon, as Paqueta himself does not want to leave.
That said, money talks, and if the Tyneside outfit were to come in with a huge bid, it may be hard for the Ligue 1 team and Paqueta to say no again.
The Verdict: Do what it takes
With seven goals and four assists in 21 games in total over all competitions so far this season mainly from midfield (Transfermarkt), Paqueta could be the missing piece in an attacking set-up that would be very difficult to stop in the Premier League.
Lauded as ‘exemplary’ by his teammate Karl Toko-Ekambi earlier on in the campaign, he is also a player that Arsenal and top-flight legend Thierry Henry loves, and at 24 years of age, the world is still at his feet.
Of course, it would be extremely difficult to persuade him to join a relegation battle, but if the right offer comes in, the Brazilian maestro could well be persuaded.
In other news, find out which ‘exceptional’ title winner NUFC are now targeting here!