While Arsenal were reportedly very keen on signing Lucas Paqueta at one point, that avenue appears to have died down for the time being.
Newcastle United were also interested, as there’s no denying the bromance between the Brazilian and Bruno Guimaraes, his former Lyon teammate, who is now a star at St James’ Park.
Of course, just because two players are friends doesn’t mean they necessarily have to play together, which is what But! Football Club explain on Friday.
Looking at the Lyon star’s situation, they point out that ‘unless there is an offer’ from a big European side, Paqueta wants to ‘spend a full season with the teammates of Alexandre Lacazette’.
That’s when Newcastle come in, with it said the Magpies ‘returned to the charge several times, but the South American has not followed through’.
This is ‘despite the presence of his friend Bruno Guimaraes’, because Paqueta is ‘aiming higher’ than a move to Eddie Howe’s team.
Despite his ambitions, it’s ‘not certain that such an offer will arrive this summer’, and that’s taking into account the fact Lyon have ‘largely revised their demands’ to a lower price.
Bad news for Newcastle then, who will need to have a good season if they are to try and reunite the two best friends next season, it seems.
