Lucas Paqueta sources speak out today as Flamengo aim to strike deal with West Ham United
Sources close to Lucas Paqueta have spoken out amid suggestions the West Ham United player is subject of interest from Flamengo, according to ESPN.
The report from Brazil [4 July] claims the club with whom Paqueta came through the ranks and signed his first professional contract made an approach over a possible return a few weeks ago.
The attacking midfielder has scored 13 goals in 84 games since arriving at London Stadium in 2022, but is currently at the centre of a high-profile betting investigation that has scuppered a lucrative move to Manchester City.
Paqueta is currently with the Brazil national team at the Copa America, where they face Uruguay this weekend in a quarter-final clash in Nevada.
ESPN’s article read: “[We] found out from sources close to [Paqueta] that the Rio de Janeiro club started trying to repatriate the midfielder a few weeks ago.
“It is worth remembering that Lucas Paqueta is being investigated in England for alleged involvement in betting irregularities.”
Flamengo determined for Paqueta return from West Ham United
According to this report and several others in the past 24 hours, it appears Flamengo are chasing Paqueta as something of a priority.
The dynamic 26-year-old broke through at his boyhood club in 2016, departing three years later to join Milan, with West Ham then signing him from Lyon.
Tite’s side appear to be biding their time whilst aware of the legal processes surrounding Paqueta, who is facing several serious FA charges.
West Ham have vowed to protect the Brazilian amid the controversy, offering a comfortable environment in amongst the chaos for the coveted playmaker, whose current contract runs until 2027.
Flamengo, as it stands, lead the Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A with 30 points from 14 matches, in a domestic season which runs from April through December.
The Irons have had dealings with Flamengo earlier this summer, with a proposed £12.8m move for defender Fabricio Bruno falling through.
This speculation has come out of nowhere, but let’s wait and see what West Ham sources have to say about it.
In other West Ham news, the latest on the club’s interest in Scott McTominay from Manchester United has been shared.
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