What is the transfer value of Arsenal and Newcastle target Lucas Paqueta?

Martin Macdonald

• Updated: 23 May 2023 08:55 CDT
• 5 min read

Normally the headlines in France are reserved for the superstars at Paris Saint-Germain, but perhaps the best player in Ligue 1 away from the riches of PSG is Lyon's Lucas Paqueta.

The Brazilian was branded the ‘new Kaka’ when he broke onto the scene and moved to Milan in a high-profile move from Flamengo when he was just 21. It was a tag that he ultimately struggled to live up to and only 18 months on he was sold to Lyon for €20 million – around half the price the Italians paid for him.

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Paqueta has since flourished at Lyon, becoming one of the stars of Ligue 1 and establishing himself as an important member of the Brazil national team.

Graceful and accurate in possession, what is impressive about his game is that he is a player who actually enjoys doing the dirty work, too.

One of Paqueta’s great strengths is his versatility, though his preferred position is as a central midfielder. His all-round game means that he can play a variety of roles even in that area. He is comfortable playing deep or in a No.10 role.

In the 2021/22 season, he notched up 18 goal contributions in all competitions, with 11 scored himself plus seven assists.

His performances have attracted interest from clubs across Europe, and according to the Chronicle back in May, Arsenal and Newcastle are set to do battle for his signature.

Arsenal have since emerged as favourites, with Goal France reporting that Arsenal are interested in signing Paqueta, with Lyon wanting around €80m for his signature this summer.

PSG are also said to be interested in poaching him from Lyon.

How much would Lucas Paqueta cost?

The report from the Chronicle details that Paqueta will cost around €70 million (£60m) for any potential suitor, while Goal believe it will take €80m (£68m) for Lyon to accept a bid.

However, FootballTransfers values Paqueta at just €31m, far less than what Lyon are reportedly demanding for his signature.

FootballTransfers' transfer valuations are calculated in collaboration with SciSports, a world-leading football analytics agency that assesses the relative transfer valuations of over 60,000 professional footballers worldwide.

SciSports use multiple data points including current and potential ability, contract length, form, age, and other crucial factors to determine a player's value.