West Ham United: New timeline shared for Lucas Paqueta investigation amid Manchester City interest
Manchester City are likely to be put off of a bid to sign West Ham star Lucas Paqueta as an investigation into the Brazilian over suspicious betting patterns is unlikely to finish before the summer transfer window, according to Sean Whetstone.
The West Ham news source reported on 28 January that the investigation could last as long as 18 months, putting City off of a move.
It was compared to an investigation into former Arsenal star Granit Xhaka, who was ultimately cleared of any involvement, and the verdict on Paqueta could be given as late as February 2025.
Good news for Hammers fans
Manchester City’s interest in the Brazilian emerged last summer, but the European Champions ultimately pulled out of a move due to the investigation, opting to sign Matheus Nunes from Wolves in his place.
Now with the case set to continue beyond the next summer transfer window, City will likely be in the same position as they were last summer, avoiding any deal for Paqueta in case of a negative outcome from the investigation.
Paqueta, of course, has denied the allegations, claiming he has had no involvement in any gambling activities after the FA asked for his mobile phone records in October last year, and the Gambling Commission and National Crime Agency, who looked into Xhaka’s allegation, will now look into this.
The news of the timing will be a huge benefit to West Ham, helping them to avoid losing one of their star players, but there will be concern over the outcome of the incident despite the player’s insistence that he is not involved.
In other West Ham news, a last-gasp £15.5million bid has been made.
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