ROME, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Serie A side AC Milan has signed Brazilian international Lucas Paqueta from Flamengo of Rio de Janeiro on a four-and-half-year contract, the Italian 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 dollars).

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.