‘There are proposals’ - Lyon president confirms offers for Newcastle United and Arsenal transfer target

Lyon president Jean Michel Aulas has confirmed Newcastle United and Arsenal target Lucas Paqueta has ‘proposals’ from several clubs.

Reports in France over the weekend suggested the Brazil international had submitted a transfer request as he looks to force a move elsewhere and bring an end to his two-year stay with the Ligue 1 club.

Newcastle have been linked with a move for Paqueta ever since they secured a deal for his former Lyon team-mate Bruno Guimaraes during the Janaury transfer window.

The Magpies are believed to have watched the attacking midfielder on several occasions and manager Eddie Howe has spoken of Bruno’s relationship with the Lyon star.

Speaking in May, he said: "I'm aware of Bruno’s relationship, not just with Lucas Paqueta but many of his ex-players.

“Certainly, it helps to have players play at the very highest level because those relationships and opinions can be very valuable.

“I have signed players from many different sources over the years. I've never cut off any recommendation from anybody. But of course, I’d have to go through the right process of watching and analysing the player to see if he’s right for the team.”

Newcastle will face competition from Premier League rivals Arsenal, who are also said to be keen on securing Paqueta’s signature as they look to challenge for a return to Champions League football during the upcoming season.

Speaking to Goal over the weekend, Lyon president Aulas admitted that his club had to be ‘realistic’ in their aim to hold on to their key players and revealed Paqueta does have interest from elsewhere.

He said: “There are proposals for him. There are certain players who can feel complete in the project, and others who don’t. Economically, we have the means to pursue our ideas and objectives.

“I want to keep all the good players, but you also have to be realistic.

“There is the player who is very important in the matter, the coach, the club, the other clubs. It is always a game between the different parties.”