Lucas Paqueta wants to quit West Ham United for Manchester City amid Kevin De Bruyne update
Manchester City want to sign West Ham star Lucas Paqueta but will only progress with a move for him on two conditions, according to The Athletic.
Writing on their website (12 April), the reliable news outlet report that Pep Guardiola’s side are interested in the Brazil playmaker once again after a deal collapsed for him last year.
A betting charge from the FA saw a deal not progress last year but despite the issue not being resolved yet, they have renewed their interest. Talks have continued and a deal “has progressed” since last summer, but City won’t make the move unless he is cleared of those charges and even then may opt against it unless one of Kevin De Bruyne or Bernardo Silva leave the club.
“Paqueta’s firm desire is to join City, as it was last summer, but a move will only happen if he is cleared of the charges against him, and possibly if other players depart the Etihad Stadium,” they wrote.
“Kevin De Bruyne rejected overtures from the Saudi Pro League last summer but City are aware that things could change this time around and are making contingency plans.
“City are also ready for another summer of uncertainty for Bernardo Silva, who inserted a buy-out clause into his contract before the current season started. The Portuguese has been keen on a move to Spain since 2021 and has family living in Barcelona.”
West Ham need a swift resolution or the complete opposite
It’s not often that a team wants a transfer saga to drag on across a summer, but that may be the best chance West Ham have of keeping hold of Lucas Paqueta this summer.
If there is a resolution in the betting situation for Paqueta then there is little that the Hammers can do to keep hold of the playmaker because of his £85m release clause.
However if the situation drags on for a little while, then City may be forced to look at alternative targets so that they don’t find themselves short for the start of the season, especially if one of De Bruyne or Bernardo Silva are to leave.
But City are well known for getting transfers done as quickly as possible, and they’re often patient when it comes to their top targets too so that doesn’t bode too well for Paqueta’s future at the London Stadium.
If it’s not going to play out that way and drag out, then a swift resolution so they can move on across the summer and bring in replacements would be ideal but anything in between could result in a disaster.
In other West Ham news, £60m price tag emerges for in-demand striker that Hammers want to sign on one condition.
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