Manchester City sources have revealed that they retain an interest in £85m West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paqueta

Manchester City sources have revealed that they retain an interest in £85m West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paqueta

Manchester City manager Pep Gurdiola. Insets of Man City badge and mystery player.

 

 

 

Manchester City sources have confirmed to TBR Football that they retain an interest in West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paqueta.

 

Paqueta is currently the subject of a Football Association hearing into alleged betting breaches. The tribunal is expected to reach a conclusion and confirm a decision by next week.

 

The outcome is huge as, in theory, Paqueta could receive a ban that could end his career, but sources close to West Ham are ‘quietly confident’ that he will avoid any punishment.

 

The possible betting breach emerged in 2023 – just as Paqueta was closing on a move to Manchester City, who were ready to pay £85 million for him.

 

Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images

Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images

Pep Guardiola requests the signing of Lucas Paqueta

Manchester City are keeping tabs on Lucas Paqueta’s ongoing case and if he is not found guilty, the champions could well firm up their interest in signing him, sources have told Graeme Bailey – chief correspondent at TBR Football.

 

Pep Guardiola is a huge fan of Paqueta and believes at 27 he can become a crucial player for his team. The Spanish coach has made it clear to the club’s hierarchy that he wants them to pursue a deal.

 

Guardiola has been on keen on Paqueta since his time at Lyon and now he is finally ready to make his move for the Brazilian midfielder.

 

Manchester City are preparing for another major overhaul this summer

Despite spending close to £200 million in January, City are ready to overhaul their squad this summer and the midfield is an area that will see the most change.

 

 

Kevin De Bruyne’s future looks set to lay away from City as his contract is due to expire in the summer, and a move to the MLS has been discussed.

 

Elsewhere, TBR Football understand that the futures of Bernardo Silva, Jack Grealish and James McAtee are all far from certain and they could all very well depart.

 

Manchester City’s interest in West Ham United’s midfielder Lucas Paquetá has been a topic of considerable discussion in the football world. The Brazilian international, known for his technical prowess and versatility, has attracted attention from the Premier League champions, who view him as a potential asset to their already formidable squad.

 

Background on Lucas Paquetá

 

Lucas Paquetá joined West Ham United from Olympique Lyonnais in the summer of 2022 for a reported fee of £36.5 million. During his inaugural season with the Hammers, he made a significant impact, contributing five goals and seven assists in 41 appearances. His performances were instrumental in West Ham’s successful campaign, culminating in their Europa Conference League triumph.

 

Manchester City’s Initial Interest

 

In the summer of 2023, Manchester City expressed a keen interest in acquiring Paquetá. The club made an initial approach to West Ham but did not formalize a bid at that time. City’s manager, Pep Guardiola, was looking to bolster his midfield options following the departures of key players like Ilkay Gündogan and Riyad Mahrez. Paquetá’s versatility and attacking capabilities made him an attractive prospect for the Citizens.

 

Complications Arising from Betting Investigation

 

However, the potential transfer faced a significant hurdle when it emerged that Paquetá was under investigation by the Football Association (FA) for alleged spot-fixing. The allegations centered around claims that Paquetá had intentionally received yellow cards to influence betting markets. This development led Manchester City to pause their pursuit of the midfielder, awaiting the outcome of the investigation.

 

West Ham’s Stance and Paquetá’s Release Clause

 

West Ham United have been steadfast in their desire to retain Paquetá, especially after the departure of their captain, Declan Rice, to Arsenal for £105 million. The Hammers are reluctant to lose another key figure in their squad. Paquetá’s contract, which runs until 2027 with an option for an additional year, reportedly includes an £85 million release clause that becomes active in June 2024. This clause has been a focal point in discussions about his potential move to Manchester City.

 

Manchester City’s Renewed Interest

 

Despite the complications arising from the FA investigation, reports suggest that Manchester City have not entirely abandoned their interest in Paquetá. The club is reportedly considering re-entering negotiations in the upcoming transfer window, contingent upon the resolution of the betting allegations. Guardiola views Paquetá as a potential long-term replacement for Kevin De Bruyne, who has faced injury challenges and is approaching the latter stages of his career.

 

Paquetá’s Performance Amidst Uncertainty

 

Throughout this period of uncertainty, Paquetá has continued to deliver commendable performances for West Ham. In the 2024 season, he has amassed eight goals and seven assists in 36 matches, underscoring his importance to the team. His contributions have been vital in West Ham’s domestic and European campaigns, and he remains a central figure in David Moyes’s plans.

 

Potential Implications of the Transfer

 

Should Manchester City succeed in securing Paquetá’s services, it would represent a significant addition to their midfield options. Paquetá’s technical skills, vision, and versatility would complement City’s playing style and provide Guardiola with additional tactical flexibility. Conversely, his departure would be a substantial loss for West Ham, necessitating strategic moves in the transfer market to fill the void left by the Brazilian.

 

Conclusion

 

The saga surrounding Lucas Paquetá’s potential move to Manchester City encapsulates the complexities and uncertainties inherent in football transfers. While City’s interest underscores Paquetá’s quality and potential value to top-tier clubs, the ongoing FA investigation adds a layer of unpredictability to the proceedings. As the situation develops, all parties involved will be keenly awaiting the resolution of the investigation, which will significantly influence the trajectory of Paquetá’s career and the strategic decisions of both Manchester City and West Ham United.

 

 

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