West Ham United: Lucas Paqueta exit ‘has progressed’ amid Manchester City contact
Lucas Paqueta’s camp have remained in contact with Manchester City since last summer and a deal to see him leave West Ham “has progressed”, according to The Athletic.
Writing on their website (12 April), the news outlet report that the Brazilian midfielder has emerged as a “priority” target for the treble winners ahead of the summer transfer window.
City tried to sign the 26-year-old last year but a deal collapsed after he was charged with betting offences, with the case still unresolved. But they are ready to return for him now after a standout season and personal terms are not expected to be an issue.
“But they have been impressed by Paqueta since his Lyon days and have maintained contact with his camp in recent months,” they wrote.
“Personal terms are also not expected to be a problem as City is Paqueta’s first choice — and a move has progressed well since last summer.”
West Ham set to lose Lucas Paqueta?
It seems like it’s almost inevitable that the Hammers are going to lose their Brazilian superstar this summer, and that is not ideal.
After losing Declan Rice last summer, the club made a conscious effort to build the team around Paqueta’s qualities by bringing in some more sturdy players in midfield to free up his creativity.
But the problem with allowing him to shine is that he has performed and caught the attention of top clubs, and with an £85m release clause reportedly active this summer it leaves the Hammers with little chance of keeping hold of him.
In an ideal world the club would find a way to offer him a brand new contract to get him bigger wages and a bigger release clause, but with interest mounting it’s clear he has his eyes on a move elsewhere too.
West Ham must be preparing properly for this situation and know that replacing him will be incredibly difficult, so they cannot afford to have this saga drag on all summer.
In other West Ham news, £60m price tag emerges for in-demand striker that Hammers want to sign on one condition.
For more West Ham news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.