The brilliant 26-year-old was close to joining Manchester City after the Premier League winners agreed to an £80 million transfer price with the Hammers in August.
Paqueta began contract discussions with the Cityzens, and he was eager to make the transition.However, the deal was finally thwarted after the FA launched an inquiry against the Brazil star for possible betting violations.
Manchester City chose not to forward with the transaction because they did not want to risk signing someone who may face a lengthy ban, like Newcastle star Sandro Tonali did.
Pep Guardiola chose Matheus Nunes from Wolves as an alternative to Paqueta, who has continued to perform well for West Ham this season.
The midfielder has five goals and six assists in 27 appearances in all competitions for the Hammers this season.
Paqueta is now out with a calf injury, however. David Moyes has set no clear timeline for his return to fitness. PL teams lined up to sign Lucas Paqueta.
Despite the controversy surrounding Paqueta, many big European teams are still interested in signing him at the end of the season.
According to West Ham transfer source Claret and Hugh, Manchester United, Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, and Aston Villa have’made it clear’ that they would make summer offers for the player provided he is cleared of any accusations.
Paqueta’s contract has an £80 million release clause that is active until 2027, which the Premier League foursome will need to trigger in order to sign him.
All four teams are looking to enhance their midfields. TEAMtalk has exclusively learned that Manchester United, Arsenal, and Tottenham have all expressed interest in acquiring Everton striker Amadou Onana this summer.
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery wants to elevate his squad to the next level, and signing Paqueta would be a major show of purpose from the Midlands club.
West Ham would want to keep Paqueta, but they will be powerless to prevent him from departing if his release clause is activated.
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