West Ham fans will be rioting over David Sullivan as Lucas Paqueta exit twist emerges
Aston Villa are reportedly keen on signing West Ham attacking midfielder Lucas Paqueta ahead of the transfer deadline.
West Ham have even held advanced talks with Aston Villa as they’re very keen on bringing the Brazil international to Villa Park.
Paqueta scored against Chelsea last weekend and has started the season decently for the Hammers.
Aston Villa not expected to sign Lucas Paqueta
Graham Potter is already under pressure at the London Stadium and losing another one of his star players this close to the deadline would be far from ideal.
Thus, he will be relieved that the 28-year-old appears to be staying put in East London.
According to talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook, Villa are unlikely to have the financial muscle to secure Paqueta’s services.
That is why they offered a loan deal with an obligation to buy, but it was turned down by the Hammers.
Also, parting ways with Paqueta may see David Sullivan burn further bridges with the fanbase that’s already not pleased.
Via X, Crook wrote: “Still two days to go, but [it] doesn’t sound like Paqueta to Aston Villa will happen.
“Villa do not have the finances in this window to do a deal for the money West Ham want hence they offered loan with obligation.
“David Sullivan also knows selling him this late would spark a fan backlash.”
West Ham will certainly be thrilled to retain Lucas Paqueta’s services
Retaining Paqueta’s services ahead of the transfer deadline is a monumental boost for West Ham, particularly after the club’s already painful loss of star winger Mohammed Kudus to a lucrative move to Tottenham earlier in the summer window.
Kudus, whose explosive pace and creativity were central to West Ham’s attack, leaves a big void on the right flank, forcing the Hammers to scramble for reinforcements.
| Lucas Paqueta | In all competitions 2022/23 |
| Appearances | 43 |
| Goals | 5 |
| Assists | 7 |
Paqueta has been indispensable, providing essential continuity and stability to the attack.
Under Potter, who is still bedding down his possession-oriented, fluid tactical system following his appointment, Paqueta’s retention is pivotal.
His departure would cause more issues and leave Potter with an even harder task of rebuilding the midfield engine room and integrating newcomers amid the chaos of deadline-day dealings.
With Paqueta staying, Potter can focus on targeted signings to plug the Kudus gap, maintain a competitive edge in the Premier League and European competitions and avoid a potential slide into mid-table obscurity.
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