It was reported on Monday that Barcelona are interested in Flamengo’s playmaker Lucas Paquette, having signed Arthur from Gremio during the summer window.
According to Spanish media Sport, the Catalans are looking at the possibility of signing the 21-year-old star as a replacement for Andres Iniesta, after failing to lure Pogba out of Old Trafford.
However, we reported here yesterday that Mourinho has equally picked interest in the youngster and he’s ready to battle the Catalans for his signature in January.
As part of his desire to beat the Blaugrana to Paqueta’s services, the Portuguese manager has reportedly tabled a £35.5m contract to Flamengo.
Though report claimed that the Brazilian side are not willing to sell him below £44m, the Red Devils manager is upbeat about his chance of luring the versatile player to Old Trafford in January.
With Anthony Martial’s future yet to be settled despite rumours of contract talks, Mourinho is eager to get the youngster in the next winter market so as to deploy him at the right wing of attack should the Frenchman finally depart the theatre of Dreams in January
Apart from Barcelona and United, the two-capped Brazilian player is being tracked by Liverpool, Manchester City and Paris St-German.
Manchester City spent £60m on Riyad Mahrez this summer but the Algerian is yet to hit the ground running at Etihad stadium.
Guardiola is now looking at the youngster’s direction as he might be forced to partway with the former Leicester City player.
