Manchester City is reportedly eager to secure the services of West Ham United playmaker Lucas Paqueta in the upcoming January transfer window. However, a notable obstacle stands in the way of this pursuit. That is as per UOL’s report on Manchester City’s determination to sign Paqueta from their Premier League counterparts, West Ham.
According to UOL, Manchester City has reportedly made a firm decision to submit a bid. That is for West Ham United’s Brazilian attacking midfielder, Lucas Paqueta, during the upcoming January transfer window.
City manager Pep Guardiola holds a strong admiration for Paqueta. Thus, viewing him as a potential long-term successor to midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, as per the report. However, the report notes that Manchester City will proceed with a bid for the playmaker only if he is clear of all alleged betting issues.
Will Manchester City be able to sign Paqueta?
The report highlights that City’s bid for the 26-year-old didn’t come to fruition during the summer transfer window. It suggests that Manchester City might need to exercise patience. Thus, potentially waiting until the summer of 2024, to reach an agreement with West Ham United for the acquisition of Lucas Paqueta.
Indeed, West Ham is a significant and well-established club in the Premier League, setting sights on a prosperous domestic campaign and actively participating in the UEFA Europa League.
It’s a known fact that West Ham tends to command substantial fees for their top players. In the summer of 2023, they notably sold Declan Rice to Arsenal for a hefty £100 million. Intriguingly, Manchester City expressed interest in Rice but was unwilling to match the fee eventually paid by Arsenal. Consequently, the possibility of West Ham selling Paqueta may arise, but likely only at the end of the season.
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