Manchester City set their sights on Lucas Paqueta to further strengthen their Midfield
According to information from GloboEsporte, there has been an offer of £70 million ($89.4 million) put forward by Man City for Lucas Paqueta, West Ham’s standout player. Despite this substantial bid, it is anticipated that West Ham will turn it down and instead request an even higher sum for the services of the skilled midfielder.
During this summer transfer window, City saw the departure of midfielder Ilkay Gundogan and winger Riyad Mahrez. As part of their rebuilding efforts, they acquired center-back Josko Gvardiol and midfielder Mateo Kovacic. However, recent reports originating from Brazil suggest that the reigning Premier League champions are interested in bolstering their options in the central midfield position.
Lucas Paqueta joined West Ham just a year ago, initially for £36.5 million ($46.6 million), a figure that could have risen to £51 million ($65 million) due to additional incentives.
Paqueta, the record signing for the club, enjoyed a strong debut season under the guidance of David Moyes. His contributions played a part in West Ham’s victory in the Europa Conference League. However, at the age of 25, his contract only expires in 2027.
Given West Ham’s recent sale of Declan Rice to Arsenal for a staggering £105 million ($134 million), they are unlikely to permit another key midfielder to depart unless an exorbitant fee is presented.
The report indicates that Guardiola had expressed interest in securing the Brazilian international Paqueta’s services twelve months ago, potentially as a replacement for Bernardo Silva. Yet, in the end, the Portuguese midfielder remained with City.
As the Premier League season approaches, City is set to kick off their title defense against Burnley on August 11th, while West Ham’s season begins against Bournemouth on August 12th. The coming weeks will reveal whether City will intensify their pursuit of Paqueta during this transfer window
