Aston Villa ready Lucas Paqueta transfer after bizarre West Ham developments
Graham Potter and Unai Emery have cut frustrated figures at West Ham and Aston Villa amid the lack of signings this summer.
However, Lucas Paqueta could leave West Ham before the transfer window closes on 1 September.
The Hammers have reportedly set an asking price of £60million for the Brazilian, but that might not be an issue for interested parties.
Now, Aston Villa are set to ramp up their interest in Paqueta after peculiar developments in East London.
Aston Villa interested in Lucas Paqueta after strange West Ham post
West have endured a worrying start to the Premier League and already look like Premier League relegation candidates.
Potter has fielded an almost identical side to last season, with El Hadji Malick Diouf the only new recruit to make a positive impact.
After two games, the Hammers have struggled in front of goal and look like they could do with more threat in attacking areas.
- Paqueta has scored the only goal of the season for the Irons
- West Ham have conceded eight goals in two games
- Pressure is already piling on Potter
Now, Aston Villa are interested in signing West Ham star Paqueta, according to the Daily Mail in their print edition (25 August, page 59).
The Brazilian scored a thunderbolt for the Hammers in their latest defeat to Chelsea, providing a rare moment of magic for Graham Potter’s side.
After the game, Paqueta posted a bizarre message on his Instagram account thanking God after the Irons’ 5-1 loss.
Read more: West Ham transfer round-up: Lucas Paqueta update as Graham Potter greenlights sale
The Hammers would need to replace Lucas Paqueta before transfer deadline
While Paqueta has struggled with his early-season performances, he has delivered the only goal for Potter.
The Brazilian is certainly one of the Irons’ star men, alongside Jarrod Bowen, and his absence would be felt massively in the midfield.
With time ticking, the East London club would have to find a suitable replacement for him imminently.
Of course, given his age and ability, the Irons should be able to collect a sizeable fee for the 27-year-old.
The Hammers would risk the wrath of their supporters if Paqueta were sold to a Premier League rival in what is a crucial decision.
Sign up for the West Ham Zone WhatsApp channel and turn on notifications to have all the latest, breaking West Ham United news sent straight to your phone.