Rome (AFP) – Brazilian international Lucas Paqueta has joined AC Milan from Flamengo of Rio de Janeiro on a four-and-half-year contract, the Serie A club announced on Friday.

The 21-year-old attacking midfielder has been linked with Milan for several months. Italian media put the fee at 35 million euros ($40m or £31.56m). 

Paqueta is a left footer who appeared in 65 matches and scored 13 goals for  Flamengo, where he started his career.

He made his debut for Brazil in September, in a 2-0 friendly victory over the United States. 

“Lucas Paqueta will join his teammates at Milanello on January 7, 2019, when training sessions resume,” the club said in a statement.