West Ham United transfer news as £43m mega bid readied for Hakan Calhanoglu if Lucas Paqueta leaves
West Ham United are eyeing a big £43m move for Inter Milan’s Hakan Calhanoglu if Lucas Paqueta were to leave the London Stadium this summer, according to Spazio Inter.
According to the report (29 July), the 29-year-old who has built up a huge reputation for his set-piece abilities has emerged as a top target if their Brazilian star player Paqueta departs after a number of reported interest elsewhere.
However, the Turkish international is currently at the centre of Inter Milan’s plans for the upcoming season but it is believed that West Ham could be planning a “€50m (£43m) madness” for the midfielder as they look to establish themselves following their success in the Europa Conference League last season.
The Hammers are believed to be resigned to losing Paqueta in the near future and already have contingency plans lined up should that happen, and Calhanoglu is at the top of their list.
Very ambitious
Calhanoglu has been an important cog in the Inter machine this season, with three goals and six assists in 33 games played in Serie A and all 12 matches in their impressive Champions League run to the final only to be narrowly beaten by Manchester City.
Calhanoglu represents a sturdy addition for any Premier League club this summer, considering his unique qualities in the final third, his engine in midfield and his expertness from dead-ball situations and it is easy to see why the Hammers would be in the hunt for his signature.
The Hammers’ interest in the Turkish star is incredibly ambitious on their part, considering the player’s superstar quality and ambitions to play Champions League football every season and their Conference League win has certainly got them planning big moves in the market.
But part of that big move should be doing all they can to keep Paqueta at the London Stadium, especially after the departure of Declan Rice to Arsenal.
The Brazilian is just as good as Calhanoglu and still has a number of years ahead of him at the top level, so there’s no reason why the Hammers should be looking to sell if a big-money offer arrives. Keeping Paqueta should be the priority.
In other West Ham news, one European giant is ramping up the pressure on the Hammers to sign one big-money player.