Football Insider has received information from sources that Man City is still keeping an eye on West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta ahead of this year’s summer transfer window.
The summer of 2023 saw the treble-winners make their move to recruit the 26-year-old, and rumors circulated that they had reached an agreement with the Irons for a cost of £80 million.
The approach backfired, though, as it quickly became apparent that Paqueta was the focus of an FA and FIFA investigation into betting violations.
Football Insider reported on February 8 that Paqueta’s betting violations would soon be decided, as the inquiry is almost finished. This will be news to West Ham and City.
Pep Guardiola’s team is reportedly still eager to sign the Brazil international during the forthcoming summer transfer window.
West Ham is expected to accept Man City’s Paqueta deal.
Football Insider has learned from a reliable source that West Ham is unlikely to reject a bid for the midfield player that fits their budget.
The future of Irons manager David Moyes, who is set to expire at the conclusion of the campaign and is said to have received a new contract offer, will not impact Paqueta’s ability to stay with the team past this summer.
Since suffering the injury against Bristol City last month, the former Lyon player has been out with a calf issue, and the Londoners have not won.
Thus far in the 2023–24 season, Paqueta has contributed five goals and six assists in 27 appearances across all competitions.
The 42-cap Brazil international has a June 2027 contract with London Stadium.
In 2022, he signed a contract with Moyes for an alleged club record of £51 million.
In other developments, West Ham anticipated a bidding battle with Manchester United for defenders.