Lucas Paqueta transfer ‘too good to turn down’ as West Ham response shared – Expert
Lucas Paqueta is desperate to leave West Ham United.
Paqueta has told David Sullivan that he will not be at the London Stadium after this season, although a January exit is still preferred by him.
Flamengo have already bid £30.3million for the Brazilian, although the Irons have rejected that bid; however, a new offer may reach £39m.
Nuno Espirito Santo has made it clear that the West Ham star remains in his plans, despite Paqueta already accepting personal terms to leave.
Lucas Paqueta exit too good to turn down for West Ham
Paqueta was left out of the squad against QPR in the FA Cup, and is expected to miss the trip to Tottenham in the Premier League, too.
Speaking exclusively to West Ham Zone, Dan Plumley admits it may be too good to turn down, given the recent form of Paqueta on the pitch.
“I think that’s the reality,” the football finance expert said.
“They say they don’t want him to go, but with that kind of money and the way it’s looking with West Ham, they have spent money this window, and if you get an offer for Paqueta like that and it’s difficult to turn down, it really is sometimes too good to turn down.
“If you’re looking at the risk and reward approach to that, it’s not like he’s scoring in every match and is looking like the one who could fire you out of trouble.
“So, if you are going big on some signings, then that is one way to offset that, and they may feel like it is when upwards of £30m, then that’s probably a good deal all around.”
Flamengo offer players for Lucas Paqueta too
Shopping in Brazil for the next big thing has become somewhat of a trend in football, with Endrick and Estevao the two latest stars.
West Ham tried this with Luis Guilherme last season, but that failed, and the young winger has already left the London Stadium for Sporting CP.
Everton Araujo, Joao Victor and Iago are all said to be possible options to be included in a deal plus cash for Paqueta, with West Ham fans already taking a keen interest in highlight reels.
It looks unlikely for now, but anything can happen in football, and £39m for a player who isn’t exactly pulling up trees with his ability may just need to be accepted if it arrives.
Stay up to date this winter with our West Ham transfer tracker. Click to see every done deal at the London Stadium, plus expert reaction from our team of writers.