Lucas Paqueta of West Ham United celebrates scoring his team's second goal from the penalty spot during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and West Ham United at City Ground on August 31, 2025 in Nottingham, England.placeholder image
Lucas Paqueta of West Ham United celebrates scoring his team's second goal from the penalty spot during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and West Ham United at City Ground on August 31, 2025 in Nottingham, England. | Getty Images
West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta is the subject of interest from several clubs ahead of the transfer deadline
West Ham star Lucas Paqueta appeared to signal his commitment to West Ham United with a pointed celebration after scoring in the club’s 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest on Sunday afternoon.
BBC Sport reports that Aston Villa have held talks with West Ham over an initial loan move with an obligation to buy, with the package totalling £50m with the loan and permanent deal included.
However, Paqueta started for West Ham on Sunday as the Hammers won 3-0 at Nottingham Forest in what could prove to be a huge result for manager Graham Potter as the win eased the pressure on the ex-Chelsea and Brighton man.
Paqueta scored a late penalty and celebrated by making a phone sign with his hand before answering it and then throwing it over his shoulder. He then kissed the West Ham badge in front of the jubilant away fans. The report from BBC Sport also claims that Tottenham and Everton are interested in Paqueta.
Graham Potter expects Lucas Paqueta to stay
West Ham boss Potter responded to the speculation surrounding Paqueta’s future. Asked if he expected the Brazilian to stay at the London Stadium, Potter said: "Yes.
"The noise has been around Lucas for a long time and the way he conducts himself is incredible.
"He gave everything for the team again today and contributed with a goal and the win."
On the result, he added: "It's what we're here for - to win and prove we have the quality and prove we are a team.
"We can enjoy the next couple of days and prepare when the boys are back.
"I have been a manager for 15 years, relatively competent sometimes, but it's the players - it's their day today.
"They've carried out the win in a really good way. We restricted Forest and carried a threat ourselves."
Jarrod Bowen answers Lucas Paqueta question
Jarrod Bowen opened the scoring for West Ham on 84 minutes before Paqueta scored from the spot four minutes later. Callum Wilson added a third in the first minute of stoppage time.
After the game, he was asked about Paqueta and said: "Don't believe everything you read online. Some people didn't think he'd turn up and play but he turned up and scored.”
On the result, he added: "It was 0-0 for so long and we stuck at it. We got three goals but it could have been a lot more. I thought we defended well and limited them in terms of chances. They're a really good side, they've got Europe and were flying last season. They didn't score and we scored three. We deserved our win."
Up next for the Hammers is London derbies at home against Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace after the international break. Trips to Everton and then Arsenal come next before the October international break.
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