A sensational twist involving Chelsea has left Lucas Paqueta facing a major moral dilemma after his shocking and very specific demands to West Ham.
So it seems Fabrizio Romano was right all along about Lucas Paqueta wanting to leave West Ham.
However, now he could end up at London rivals Chelsea just six months after pledging to fight for West Ham in what would be his last season at the club.
Transfer insider Romano was abused by Hammers fans for continually pushing the narrative Paqueta wanted to leave in the summer.
It was claimed by Romano that the Brazilian wanted to join Aston Villa amid interest from Unai Emery.
West Ham’s board confirmed to Hammers News at the time that ‘certain players were trying to force their way out on the cheap’.
Paqueta was a West Ham star who wanted out in summer
Hammers News was informed at the time that Paqueta and Nayef Aguerd were among them. But the fan reaction towards the prospect of Paqueta pushing to leave and West Ham’s reluctance to sell sparked his very public change of heart.
Aguerd refused to play at Forest and was sold to Marseille but Paqueta ended up travelling for the game and scoring in what was just one of three wins the team has had in the Premier League this season.
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The news came as a shock to West Ham fans, who – like the club – had stood steadfastly behind Paqueta during his two-year spot-fixing saga.
In the end Paqueta stayed at West Ham, doing an iconic celebration after scoring in a win over Forest where he mimicked taking a phone call for a transfer before hanging up and throwing the handset away.
Paqueta started the season well, scoring a few goals – including a stunner in a big defeat to Chelsea.
Lucas Paqueta scores from long range in West Ham's Premier League defeat to Chelsea
Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images
Now he could end up playing for the Blues after shocking developments out of east and west London.
There has been a sensational Chelsea twist which gives Paqueta a major moral dilemma after his specific demand to West Ham.
After being ridiculed over his Paqueta claims in the summer, it seems Romano was right all along and the 28-year-old does indeed want out of West Ham.
There’s an old saying about rats leaving a sinking ship which seems rather apt after new revelations about Paqueta.
Both ExWHUemployee and Sean Whetstone have been informed by a key senior source at West Ham that Paqueta is trying to force a move out of the club.
Sensational Chelsea twist to West Ham’s new Paqueta shocker
“Lucas Paqueta is trying to force his way out of West Ham by withdrawing his playing services it has been alleged this afternoon.
It has been widely reported that the player has agreed personal terms with his former club Flamengo who are reported to have approached West Ham with a €40m (£35m) enquiry.
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“He’s trying to force his way out by refusing to play,” a senior Hammers source told Whetstone for Claret and Hugh.
ExWHUemployee offered further information on his West Ham Way Patreon.
The Hammers insider revealed West Ham have confirmed Paqueta is pushing for a move home to Brazil.
Lucas Paqueta celebrates during Nottingham Forest v West Ham United - Premier League
Photo by Jon Hobley/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
“There has been strong rumours of interest from his former club Flamengo and it is thought that the Brazilian wishes to return to his homeland,” ExWHUemployee said.
The situation places the Brazilian at a crossroads, with loyalty, ambition and principle all now in play, and supporters keenly watching how one of the club’s most influential figures responds to the growing pressure surrounding his future.
Especially now it has emerged that Chelsea have reportedly entered the running.
After telling West Ham he specifically wants to leave to return to Brazil, Romano has claimed personal terms have been agreed with his first and boyhood club Flamengo.
But now, according to Renan Moura – a sports commentator and top Flamengo reporter for Radio Globo and CBN – Chelsea have entered the running.
Paqueta faces major Chelsea dilemma after West Ham demand
Moura claims West Ham have rejected Flamengo’s offer and Paqueta now has people close to him advising he remain in Europe for the betterment of his career.
That, Moura claims, has brought West Ham’s London rivals Chelsea to the table
“I’ve learned that Flamengo has already made an initial approach to West Ham for Lucas Paqueta, but the English club rejected the offer,” Moura said on X.
“Flamengo is expected to present new figures to bring the player to Gávea (Flamengo’s headquarters) before 2026, potentially reaching €40 million. Chelsea is also interested in the player and could compete with Flamengo during this winter transfer window.
“Despite the player’s desire to return to his boyhood club, people close to the midfielder believe it would be best for him to remain in Europe longer, given that he is only 28 years old.
“However, the decision rests with the player and West Ham, with whom he has a contract until June 2027. Paqueta is truly determined to leave England due to the way he has been treated since the beginning of the investigation into his alleged involvement in match-fixing.”
Apurei que o Flamengo já fez uma primeira investida junto ao West Ham por Lucas Paquetá, mas o clube inglês rejeitou a oferta. O Rubro-Negro deve apresentar novos valores para ter o jogador na Gávea ainda em 2026 e pode atingir a casa de 40 milhões de euros para isso.
O Chelsea… pic.twitter.com/mBp8pHx8I8
— Renan Moura (@renanmoura1989) January 12, 2026
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If Paqueta is adamant he only wants to leave West Ham due to his treatment during the spot-fixing saga, then surely he won’t agree a move to Chelsea?
Of course if the Hammers only accept an offer from Chelsea and not Flamengo, then Paqueta’s decision may be made for him.
The whole situation threatens to leave a bitter taste in the mouth and the optics of West Ham’s record £51m signing – and arguably second best player – are not good either.
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