(Credit: Imago)

Aston Villa ready Lucas Paqueta transfer after bizarre West Ham developments

Alex is a lifelong Sunderland supporter who's been reporting on Mackem News since April 2025. Indeed, he started working for Breaking Media in April and has since graduated from St Mary's University as a NCTJ Gold Standard-accredited journalist, having completed his Master's degree in Sports Journalism. Alex previously worked for Football League World and has featured on the Roker Report, providing his opinion on all things Sunderland. While getting to the games is tricky, given his job, one of the highlights of his life was watching (and crying) as the Black Cats defeated Sheffield United at Wembley Stadium last season.

Published on:

25 Aug 2025, 5:06 am

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.

Paqueta could be on his way (Credit: Imago)

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.

View this post on Instagram

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.

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Lucas Paqueta