West Ham United: Lucas Paqueta exit inevitable in Manchester City transfer verdict
Frank McAvennie has insisted there is nothing West Ham can do to keep Lucas Paqueta at the club amid interest from Manchester City, who he described as the best club in the world.
The former Hammers man explained that it would be difficult to hang on to Paqueta, although he hoped he could stay at the club beyond the coming summer.
This came amid high praise for the Brazilian who he insisted he would support wherever he goes after leaving the London Stadium due to the style of football he plays.
McAvennie – speaking exclusively to West Ham Zone – was also full of praise for Mohammed Kudus as he questioned how the club managed to bring both players to the London Stadium.
“Unfortunately, if Manchester City come in, there’s nothing you can do. They’re the top club in Europe and probably in the world now,” McAvennie explained.
“What a player he is, I’ll support him wherever he goes and I hope he stays at West Ham because I am a big fan of his, I love the way he plays football. It really is good to watch.
“Him and Kudus, for me, my god… The two of them, I don’t know how we got them, but well done.”
Lucas Paqueta looks set to leave West Ham for Manchester City
Given the intensity of recent rumours and conversations around a move for Paqueta to join Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, it feels almost inevitable that the move will happen, as McAvennie confessed.
This has come after the Brazilian reassured fans [via TNT Sports, 20 March] that he remains focused on the rest of the season at the London Stadium as he would continue to work hard out of respect for all the club has done for him.
It had also been rumoured that a deal was already agreed for Paqueta to join Manchester City this summer, but McAvennie rubbished the rumours, branding them “a load of nonsense”, insisting neither club would be doing business at the moment.
A move to City looked more likely last summer with Guardiola reportedly keen to bring him in, but an investigation surrounding alleged betting inconsistencies saw any potential deal called off by the reigning Premier League champions.
In other West Ham news, Alan Brazil and Ray Parlour shared their David Moyes verdict.
For more West Ham news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.