Kaka Calls for Lucas Paqueta Calm Amid AC Milan Transfer Rumours

Former Brazil international Kaka has played down the buzz surrounding Flamengo starlet Lucas Paqueta, with the midfielder seemingly close to moving to AC Milan. 

The 21-year-old has been linked with some of the biggest clubs in the game, but Milan general manager Leonardo has said there is a "basic agreement" between the Brazilian outfit and the Italian giants, per Football Italia.

Kaka, who won the UEFA Champions League and Ballon d'Or during his time at the San Siro, is excited about Paqueta but doesn't think he should be held up against other Brazil or Rossoneri icons yet, per Milan TV (h/t Sacha Pisani of Goal).

"He's a player who has a bright future ahead of him. He's already been called up to the Brazilian national team, but it's better for him that we don't make comparisons.

"I've seen so many of them in recent days, with me, with [Alexandre] Pato, with Ronaldinho, Cafu, Rivaldo…with all the Brazilians who have been part of Milan's history.

"We need to avoid these comparisons so he can come here and play calmly and peacefully. I'm confident."

Claude Paris/Associated Press

As Pisani noted, the likes of Liverpool, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain have also been tipped as possible suitors for Paqueta, although he appears to be poised to move to the Serie A side in a deal worth €35 million (£31 million).

The calibre of the clubs interested in the Brazil international is indicative of the talent he has shown early in his career. 

He has shown he can be productive when he gets on the ball in the final third:

In addition, per Scouted Football, Paqueta is able to create chances and make tackles:

Given he's still young, there may be a period of transition if he does move to Italian football, despite his experience in Serie A in Brazil and with the national side. Still, Football Manager's Paulo Freitas thinks his skills will translate well to the Italian game:

After the summer of 2017 saw the club make some bold moves in the transfer market, the deal is another indication of a more streamlined recruitment process for Milan, with Leonardo crucial to that since his arrival in 2018.

The excitement surrounding Paqueta may mean there is early pressure on him to perform. But so far all the indications are that he is ready for this latest challenge, both in terms of his talent and temperament.