West Ham United have already suffered some big losses this off-season. They had to say goodbye to club legend Declan Rice and take a big loss on the transfer of Gianluca Scamacca to Atalanta. Good news is on the way; Edson Alvarez should soon be announced as their first signing of the season. There is much to still worry about, though, as it is now believed that Manchester City are targeting a move for Brazilian Lucas Paqueta.
Fabrizio Romano reports that Manchester City has held talks with West Ham United over a transfer for Lucas Paqueta. It’s believed that there was a verbal bid of £70m sent to West Ham that will not be enough for the Hammers to say yes. Romano states that a deal will be difficult to complete, but Pep Guardiola is an admirer of the midfielder, and Paqueta is open to joining after switching agencies this summer.
Paqueta has a £85m release clause that does not being active until next summer. The newest update from Fabrizio Romano suggest not only is Lucas keen to join Manchester City, but he would “love to join” the club.
Lucas Paqueta enjoyed a successful first season in the midfield for West Ham. Covering over from Lyon in France, the 25-year-old midfielder was an important player for David Moyes last season as the club won the Europa Conference League. Paqueta could provide additional depth to Pep Guardiola’s midfield. It would also allow for the likes of Phil Foden and Bernardo Silva to focus solely on being wide options instead of having to hold down minutes as an attacking midfield.
Despite earlier suggestions that Manchester City had their squad in place for the season, it surely looks like they are adamant about adding another attacking option. This situation is one to watch as it evolves.