What Paolo Maldini, Jerome Boateng and Lyon president have said about Newcastle target Lucas Paqueta

The Brazilian is believed to be on Newcastle's radar after an impressive season in Ligue 1

As reported by ChronicleLive this week, Newcastle United are plotting a move for Lyon sensation Lucas Paqueta this summer. The Brazilian is in red-hot form for the French giants and is best friends with former teammate Bruno Guimaraes.

An asking price of £58million would make him the Magpies’ record signing but, similar to the Guimaraes deal, United must stave off competition from Arsenal. Brazilian flags have been on show at St James’ Park ever since Newcastle splashed out £40million to lure Joelinton from Hoffenheim in 2019.

Despite initial struggles, the 25-year-old has reinvented himself as a midfield enforcer to become a cult hero with Toon supporters. Guimaraes' path to adulation was more straightforward; the £33million stumped up in January already looks like a bargain for the slick playmaker.

A third Brazilian on the books would have fan excitement at fever pitch and some of the biggest names in football have raved about Paqueta in recent times. ChronicleLive looks at who has endorsed the 24-year-old ahead of a potential summer switch.

READ MORE: Lucas Paqueta comments echo what Bruno Guimaraes said before joining Newcastle United

Paolo Maldini

One of the greatest players ever raved about Paqueta when he was on the books at AC Milan. At 22-years-old, the Brazilian impressed away at Atalanta to earn his side a 3-1 win.

Maldini told DAZN: “He’s a smart guy. We asked him to speed up, there’s also the language problem, he’s the only one who speaks Portuguese of all the players.

“He has had a huge impact on the team. He solved our problems with his quality in transition. He is always looking forward, he has the gift of the class inside. Brazilian football is very different from ours, but what surprised him is the application that also puts us in the defensive phase, which is perhaps where he has to learn more. ”

Peter Bosz (Lyon manager)

Paqueta proved the difference last month as his goal helped Lyon defeat Porto in the Europa League. His manager, Bosz, could not speak more highly of him after the game.

“For me, Lucas was extraordinary,” he said. “He showed all his qualities tonight, he was really strong, and not because he scored. It is above all the work he has done as number 10 to keep the ball. He only made one mistake in the second half by wanting to do 'a Zidane' at the limit of our 18-yard box. But for the rest, he was amazing.”

Jean-Michel Aulas (Lyon President)

Newcastle were heavily rumoured with a move for the Brazilian in January. While the Magpies were successful in their pursuit of Guimaraes, Lyon’s president Aulas openly spoke out about the Paqueta bid.

“I made the decision to sign him, and I did it alone,” he told Europe1. “It was necessary to shell out 21 million euros overnight, in the middle of the pandemic.

“They (Newcastle) have a lot of money but it is confidential. He will stay with us. He wants out (to leave) in the medium term. As I always say, for €80million (£67 million) we are always reflecting.”

Jerome Boateng

World Cup and Champions League winner Jerome Boateng believes Paqueta will become a ‘world star’. The former Bayern Munich defender arrived at Lyon on a free transfer last season and raved about his teammate to the Ligue 1 website.

He said: “Since (I signed) here, I have been really impressed. He brings so much to our team. He runs a lot, his skills, of course, his technique, his (ability to) create chances, his passing, his (determination to) fight for the ball. He helps us a lot. I think he has the potential to be a world star in football.”

Clinton Morrison

Former Crystal Palace striker Clinton Morrison thinks Paqueta could be an even bigger star than Guimaraes. Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, he said: “Paqueta is the next one that could come over here. Newcastle took Guimaraes and he’s a talented individual. But I think Paqueta is a big talent and he could easily come and play in the Premier League.”

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