Tottenham Hotspur could seal an exciting signing in Lucas Paqueta, according to journalist Pete O'Rourke...
What's the word?
The Lyon midfielder has been linked with a move to north London in recent weeks after football.london reporter Alasdair Gold revealed that he was a player that the club have been 'tracking for a while.'
It's believed that the Ligue 1 outfit would sanction his exit should they receive an offer of around £33m.
And he's a player that would certainly excite the Lilywhites faithful.
In an interview with Football FanCast, O'Rourke said:
"He's got real pedigree as well - a Brazil international - so that would be a signing that would definitely get the Tottenham fans excited and I think that they are, maybe, building a side capable of challenging for honours."
An exciting coup
Indeed, Paqueta would be an ideal end to a busy summer of business for manager Antonio Conte and sporting director Fabio Paratici.
Spurs are arguably in need of a creative option in the engine room and the Brazilian is capable of providing that and more.
"I think they are definitely looking at a creative playmaker, someone who can play as a number 10. I’ve said this a lot this summer, but they would like a player that could allow Conte the freedom to change from a 3-4-3 to 3-5-2 with an attacking midfielder," Express journalist Ryan Taylor revealed to GIVEMESPORT.
Last season, for example, Paqueta provided his team with 11 goals and seven assists in all competitions and did so largely playing as a no.8 or no.10, as per Transfermarkt.
Such attacking exploits have seen him rank very favourably compared to his positional midfield peers across Europe.
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FBref reveal that the 24-year-old dynamo sits within the top 1% for total shots (3.06), non-penalty expected goals (0.35) and expected assists (0.25) per 90, as well as the top 2% for touches in the opposition's box (4.13 per 90).
They also highlight his statistical profile as being similar to Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne and England sensation Jude Bellingham, which only backs up O'Rourke's claim that he'd be a rather exciting signing for Tottenham to make.
Paqueta's manager over at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais, Peter Bosz, believes he is "amazing" and "extraordinary," whilst the club's official Twitter account dubbed him an "absolute diamond" only last year.
On the above evidence, the Lyon maestro would certainly be a signing that gets Spurs supporters on the edge of their seat as he's clearly capable of getting forward to contribute in the final third.
He evidently loves to get on the scoresheet and can assist the likes of Harry Kane and Heung-min Son, so it's on Paratici and co to get this move over the line.
AND in other news, Spurs dealt big injury blow ahead of Wolves...