Pep Guardiola is looking to make a second summer signing, and the Premier League club is “likely” to accept the £80 million transfer bid from Manchester City
If West Ham’s Lucas Paqueta becomes available again this summer, Pep Guardiola’s team may be able to sign the midfield player.
After Manchester City and West Ham agreed to an £80 million agreement, the 26-year-old was set to go from the London Stadium to the Etihad Stadium last summer. However, a surprise probe caused the intended trade to crumble drastically.
Any possible move was thwarted by a significant inquiry into several bets by FIFA and the FA, who looked into odd bets made in Brazil.
Paqueta, who joined West Ham for a club record £51 million in 2022 after leaving Lyon, has an £85 million release clause that goes into effect in 2024. Paqueta helped the Hammers win the UEFA Europa Conference League the previous season.
Despite being out due to injury, the Brazilian has made 18 appearances this season in the Premier League and has a direct hand in seven goals.
Paqueta could surpass his total from the previous season because he was directly involved in 12 goals in 41 appearances for David Moyes’ team in the previous year.
These numbers might entice Manchester City, who have been connected to several targets and are anticipated to bolster their midfield during the summer transfer window, to rekindle their interest in the midfield player.
If Pep Guardiola decides to sign the 28-year-old, West Ham is “likely” to accept an offer from Manchester City this summer, according to Football Insider, contingent on the conclusion of the ongoing investigation.
According to reports, the investigation into suspected betting violations is almost finished, thus West Ham will “soon” find out the results.
If the Blues satisfy the Hammers’ transfer estimate, City is “still keen” to recruit the Brazil international this summer and “unlikely” to encounter opposition from East London.
Given that the England midfielder moved away from Manchester City in January and is now on loan at the London Stadium until the end of the current campaign, Kalvin Phillips might be used in a trade transaction.
Joshua Kimmich, a midfielder for Bayern Munich, has also been linked to City, who are also expected to recruit fellow Brazilian Savio from the City Football Group.
