Lyon midfielder Lucas Paqueta is a transfer target for Spanish giants Real Madrid according to the latest reports in the media. The exclusive report from Defensa Central revealed that Brazilian international Paqueta is on the radar of Real Madrid and that the club’s chief scout Juni Calafat has been monitoring his development at Lyon in the French Ligue 1.

Brazilian midfielder Paqueta has been able to resurrect his ailing career at Lyon following his transfer from Italian Serie A outfit AC Milan last summer. After a slow start to his Lyon career, Paqueta went on to score 10 goals and provide six assists in 34 appearances for the French team in all competitions. He played in all but three games when available for Lyon who missed out on a Champions League spot on the final day of the season.

Paqueta and Lyon missed out on a place in the Champions League to rivals AS Monaco after they were stunned at home by OGC Nice in their final game of the season. Lyon lost 3-2 at home to Nice when a win would have seen them secure a place amongst the big boys of European football ahead of Monaco who drew 0-0 with hosts Lens in their own final match of the season. Monaco finished third behind Ligue 1 champions Lille and runners-up Paris Saint Germain (PSG). Lyon ended the season in fourth and two points off Monaco.

Lucas Paqueta was one of the best midfielders in France in his debut campaign at Lyon and his quality has been noted by Juni Calafat and Real Madrid.

Spanish giants Real Madrid have been linked with several midfielders this summer including Paqueta. Other Madrid midfield targets include Flamengo midfielder Gerson and Borussia Moenchengladbach star Florian Nerhaus. The club also have several options on their books as they look to the future with the likes of Luka Modric and Toni Kroos in the final years of their respective careers.