Flamengo chief speaks out about Lucas Paqueta as West Ham United bid ready
West Ham United playmaker Lucas Paqueta could still be signed by Flamengo according to their vice-president Marcos Braz.
Speaking to O Globo in Brazil [18 July], Braz says that his club will not sign both Paqueta and Zenit man Claudinho, the other of two players they are currently in talks to sign.
Flamengo, Paqueta’s boyhood club, initially had an offer of around £13m turned straight down by the Hammers and were reported to be preparing an improved bid [O Dia, 18 July] – but the club are unlikely to entertain it.
Paqueta future at West Ham remains uncertain
The situation with Paqueta and the club remains at somewhat of a stand-off, due to the ongoing investigation by the FA into the player’s alleged breaches of betting regulations.
The 26-year-old has consistently and vehemently denied any wrongdoing, as he faces four separate allegations.
This scuppered a potentially lucrative move to Manchester City for Paqueta, who was brought to the London Stadium for a fee of over £50m in 2022.
Latest reports from The Times [17 July] claim delays due to the complexity of the investigation could prove good short-term news for Paqueta and allow him to play for West Ham this season – also a positive development for Julen Lopetegui in regards to his team selection.
For Flamengo, their hopes of a marquee move to bring a loved son back to Rio de Janeiro hangs in the balance.
In other West Ham news, a youngster at the club is wanted by Man City.
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