Tottenham Hotspur are considering a move for Olympique Lyonnais star Lucas Paqueta
Tottenham Hotspur have identified a few reinforcements in midfield as part of their transfer window agenda, and one name which has emerged as a target is Olympique Lyonnais’s Lucas Paqueta.
The versatile 24-year-old can play in a number of positions, both in midfield as well as up front. He can play as a No. 10, on the right-wing and even across a front three if required. According to Football London, Spurs have been tracking Paqueta.
Such a dynamic player profile is sure to please Spurs DOF Fabio Paratici and gaffer Antonio Conte. Both of them have an affinity for players with tremendous work rates and Paqueta fits that bill.
Leading French news outlet L’Equipe (h/t the Mirror) have reported that Paqueta is open to a move away this summer after Lyon failed to qualify for any European competition last season.
Spurs are not the only Premier League club interested in the Brazilian, with Newcastle United also having the Lyon star on their radar.
Paqueta scored 11 goals and provided seven assists across all competitions last season and Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas had previously claimed that it would take a fee in the region of £68 million to price their coveted player away.
That stance may have since changed a little due to Lyon’s failure to qualify for any European competition (which means lesser cash inflow) and thus may force their hand into accepting a lower bid than their president’s original asking price.
Are Spurs prepared to spend on the Lyon star?
Les Gones recently re-signed former striker Alexander Lacazette on a free transfer following his Arsenal exit, while they are also considering bringing back another former player in Corentin Tolisso.
Such planning and activity may suggest that Lyon are starting to prepare for life without Paqueta if a substantial offer does come knocking. Tottenham are not likely to match the previous, hefty asking price for the Brazilian but may be tempted into testing the waters with an initial bid.
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The North London club are also monitoring homegrown options to manage their obligatory homegrown quota.
Leicester City’s James Maddison has been a subject of long-term interest before he signed for the Foxes. The England international is now in the final two years of his current deal. Spurs have also reportedly had talks with the representatives of Jesse Lingard, but Paratici and co. are not in a position to guarantee him regular starts, which is what the former Manchester United player is seeking.
