West Ham United: Lucas Paqueta transfer ‘problem’ emerges at the London Stadium
Frank McAvennie has insisted the biggest problem West Ham face in the transfer window is keeping hold of both Lucas Paqueta and Mohammed Kudus.
This comes after the Brazilian has been heavily linked with a move away from the London Stadium, with Manchester City his most likely destination.
The former Hammers forward insisted the club has strong attacking options and needs defensive reinforcements more, but only if they can hold on to their star players.
McAvennie – speaking exclusively to West Ham Zone – shared his view that, with Kudus and Paqueta, the attack remains strong with Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus “scoring goals for fun”.
“The defence is the biggest problem. I think we’ve got people who can score goals. We’ve got Kudus and Paqueta, keeping those two is the biggest problem for me,” McAvennie confessed.
“I don’t want to sign two new defenders if we lose Kudus and Paqueta. We need to keep them and get the defenders. Ings is coming in so I don’t think we need any more.
“I don’t think we need another striker to come in and sit on the bench. Antonio and Bowen have been scoring goals for fun.“
Lucas Paqueta transfer ‘problem’ emerges at the London Stadium
Paqueta has been the subject of transfer discussions since last summer, and his form for both West Ham and Brazil this season will have done nothing to deter potential buyers from circling at the London Stadium.
A move to City looked 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.
The Brazilian recently reassured fans that he remains focused on the rest of the season in East London as he would continue to work hard out of respect for all the club has done for him, but that could change this summer.
Kudus has been less talked about when it comes to transfer rumours, perhaps due to the fact he only arrived last summer, but his performances will no doubt be catching the eye of clubs looking to improve their attacking options.
In other West Ham news, a move to sign Wolves defender Max Kilman is now on the cards.
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