Lucas Paqueta could be lost forever in new West Ham United transfer message
Frank McAvennie has lamented the possibility of losing Lucas Paqueta "forever for absolutely nothing" if he is found guilty of spot-fixing.
Paqueta has been charged with four separate instances of spot-fixing - picking up a booking intentionally for betting purposes - and could be banned for as long as 10 years or even for life as a result.
And McAvennie - speaking exclusively to West Ham Zone - feels the Brazilian is one of the three players the club should not sell under any circumstances, alongside Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus.
"We could lose Paqueta forever for absolutely nothing," McAvennie said.
"[Bowen would cost] stupid money, because he's just signed a five-year deal. Listen, you can't get rid of Bowen if Paqueta's not going to be there. I just can't see it. Bowen, Kudus and Paqueta - that was my three that have got to stay, you've got to build the team around those three.
"I couldn't give a monkey's if Paqueta had a bet or not - I just want him to be in the team. Because he's that kind of player, one I get off my seat for when he gets the ball. And that's what football's all about. For me, it's all about excitement, entertaining people - and this boy certainly entertains. And so do Kudus and Bowen. So please, keep these three boys. Move the rest of them."
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Bowen and Kudus were West Ham's top two scorers across all competitions in 2023/24, with the former netting 20 times and the latter scoring 14.
Paqueta is fourth on that list with eight strikes, while he was also the club's joint-third highest assist-provider, creating seven goals for teammates.
Even if Paqueta avoids a lengthy ban, his future would remain in doubt amid links to Manchester City.
One way or another, it appears Julen Lopetegui is unlikely to have all three at his disposal next season.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers are “back to square one” after their failed Fabricio Bruno move.
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