Chelsea’s London rivals West Ham United could lose one of their best players this month: Lucas Paqueta.
Paqueta, who plays alongside Chelsea trio Estevao Willian, Joao Pedro and Andrey Santos in the Brazil national team, has been the subject of a bid from Flamengo.
However, it looks like Chelsea themselves also have the attacking midfielder on their radar.
If Chelsea only make one signing in January, who should it be?👀
Vinicius Jr. is off the table…
Vinicius Jr. hasn't had talks with Chelsea
Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
Paqueta has played 18 games for West Ham in the Premier League this season and has scored four goals.
Lucas Paqueta of West Ham United during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Nottingham Forest
Photo by Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Lucas Paqueta told to stay in Europe
According to journalist Renan Moura, Chelsea and Flamengo are both interested in signing Paqueta during the January transfer window.
Moura has claimed that Flamengo have already made an offer for Paqueta but people close to the 28-year-old are advising him to remain in Europe.
That could be good news for Chelsea if they decide to make a serious push to sign the Brazilian.
Chelsea have spent more than £1bn on transfers since their takeover in 2022 but are miles away from challenging for the Premier League title. Who needs to be held to account and why? 💰
I BLAME _ _ _ _ _ for Chelsea’s failure to compete for the Premier League title!
Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley
Behdad Eghbali
Todd Boehly
Joe Shields
The players
The managers
EVERYONE
Behdad Eghbali (R) co-owner of Chelsea with co-sporting directors, Paul Winstanley (L)) and Laurence Stewart (C)
Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
Cole Palmer is currently the Blues’ first-choice attacking midfielder, while Facundo Buonanotte has played as the No.10 in the cup games this term.
Palmer has struggled with injuries in the current campaign, though, while Buonanotte is only at Stamford Bridge on loan. He is expected to return to Brighton & Hove Albion in the summer.
Morgan Rogers has also been heavily linked to Chelsea, but Paqueta is a more realistic target for the Club World Cup winners. His contract expires next year, whereas Rogers has a deal until 2031.
Lucas Paqueta of West Ham United scores the opening goal during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Chelsea
Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images
Lucas Paqueta could add to Chelsea’s biggest issue
Paqueta could be a good addition to Liam Rosenior’s squad if he is willing to be the deputy to Palmer.
The Brazil international has a lot of technical skill but can also do the dirty work. That being said, he can perhaps go over the line at times and does not always know when to walk away.
This season, Paqueta has already picked up six yellow cards and one red card in the Premier League. In the last campaign and the one before that, he was cautioned 20 times in total.
With Chelsea having their own problem with discipline right now, the above is probably the last thing Rosenior needs.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox