Report: AC Milan to sign Brazilian talent Lucas Paqueta for €30M in January
They may not be moving to re-sign former star Zlatan Ibrahimovic, but it appears there is a big-money deal in the works at AC Milan.
The Rossoneri have agreed to sign Brazilian prodigy Lucas Paqueta from Flamengo in a €30-million deal during the upcoming January transfer window, according to the Guardian's Fabrizio Romano.
Paqueta is a full Brazil international. He was the youngest player named by Tite to the 35-man provisional squad for the World Cup in Russia, though he was ultimately cut from the final pool.
Lucas Paquetá in the 2018 Brasileirão so far:
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) October 10, 2018
95 aerial duels won
65 tackles made
44 take-ons
32 chances created
9 goals
The *makings* of a complete midfielder... pic.twitter.com/veEIAfFqz5
He was subsequently selected for last month's friendlies against the United States and El Salvador, however, and appeared as a substitute in both games to win his first two senior caps.
The deal looks to be something of a coup for Milan. Liverpool had also been credited with an interest in the attacking midfielder in the summer. While the precocious talent had a €50-million release clause, according to Gianluca Di Marzio of Sky Sports, Milan's technical director Leonardo was able to utilize his good relations with Flamengo to ensure his side beat Paris Saint-Germain to the punch.
The 21-year-old has spent his entire youth and professional career to date with Flamengo. His performances in 2018 have been exceptional - he currently stands as the club's top goalscorer with 11 goals in 48 games in all competitions.