Lucas Paqueta next steps outlined as West Ham already respond to mega-money bid
Lucas Paqueta has made clear that he wants to leave West Ham United this year.
Reports emerged on Monday that Paqueta has asked to return to Brazil, ideally this month but potentially in the summer.
Paqueta was not part of the squad for West Ham’s FA Cup win over QPR on Sunday, with it now emerging that was a personal decision.
It had also been reported that Paqueta has agreed personal terms with Flamengo back in his homeland, but West Ham are clearly not ready to bow easily.
West Ham reject £30m+ Flamengo bid for Lucas Paqueta
Paqueta may be desperate to quit the London Stadium, but West Ham know the importance of having him involved in their relegation scrap.
It has reached the stage in which everyone accepts Paqueta is better off suited away from East London, but that cannot happen right now if he is not replaced.
And in an update shared by The Athletic on Monday evening, it has been reported that West Ham have made their stance clear.
Flamengo’s £30.3million bid for Paqueta has been rejected by the Hammers. It is not known if the South American heavyweights intend to come back in with a fresh offer.
What will it take for West Ham to sell Paqueta this window?
It is added in the same report that West Ham are looking for a fee closer to £52m for Paqueta if he is to be sold.
The Brazil international is under contract with the Irons until June 2027, with an option of a further 12 months, so that fee will surely become a lot lower come this summer.
What we know so far in Lucas Paqueta transfer saga:
- Paqueta has informed West Ham he wants to return to Brazil
- Flamengo emerged as favourites to sign Paqueta, while Premier League clubs are also interested
- Brazilian heavyweights Flamengo have now made a £30.3m bid that has been rejected
It may well be a game of cat and mouse as far as the Hammers are concerned right now, as they are reluctant to sell but know this might be their best chance to do so.
Having a disinterested player on their books is far from ideal, but West Ham also know it will be very hard to replace Paqueta, even if he has not been at his best for a while.
With three weeks of the window still to go, this remains one to very much keep an eye on for now.
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