West Ham to accept £50m Aston Villa bid for Lucas Paqueta as two signings lined up

West Ham star Lucas Paqueta has been strongly linked to Aston Villa at this late stage of the window.

Villa have tabled an official bid to West Ham for Paqueta as Unai Emery’s side look to tempt the attacking midfielder away from the London Stadium before the 1 September transfer deadline.

This has seen Villa test West Ham’s resolve with a Pauqeta offer, all while Graham Potter prepares his side to face Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.

Karren Brady recently stated that West Ham will keep Paqueta, but with so little time in the window, there is a decision for David Sullivan to make.

With that being said, the sale of Paqueta could become a useful avenue for the Irons to go down if they are to utilise the funds elsewhere in the market.

Lucas Paqueta running for West Ham.
Credit: Imago

This story includes exclusive comment from former midfielder Martin Allen.

West Ham could now accept Lucas Paqueta offer

There is no getting away from the fact that the Irons are in desperate need of more fresh faces before the window comes to an end.

To this point, six signings have been made, but it certainly feels as if further additions are required after a dreadful start to the season under Potter.

West Ham signings to this point:

This feels unlikely due to a true lack of funds at the London Stadium, something which would benefit from a big-money sale ahead of deadline day.

West Ham could therefore benefit from taking advantage of Villa’s interest to then spend the financial injection on further signings in East London.

This is the feeling of Allen, who believes the departure of the Brazil international could make way for two late additions to the London Stadium squad.

Speaking exclusively to Villa News, Allen said: “The effect of the charges against him have had a detrimental effect on his performances.

He’s had a really difficult time, but is a key player as a number 10 for West Ham.

At times, he is frustrating, but he can score goals and make goals. If you were going to get rid you’d need at least £50m, he’s not the player he once was.

For West Ham, they could get rid of him to Aston Villa and get two new players in, that’s how I would look at it.

Lucas Paqueta pre-match before West Ham's pre-season match against Manchester United
Credit: Imago

Aston Villa could now land Lucas Paqueta

Sometimes, a difficult decision has to be made that will ultimately go on to benefit the whole squad, and that is what could happen here with Paqueta.

There is no getting away from the fact that, alongside Jarrod Bowen, the Brazilian is one of the Irons’ best and most talented players.

With that being said, he is also one of the only sellable assets at the E20 club right now, and when funds are needed, a departure could prove to be wise.

That would require Villa to pay what the Hammers are demanding, a factor which is yet to be seen after their recent financial troubles.

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