There is a growing belief that Chelsea may try to make a couple of signings towards the end of the January transfer window, with the thought of additions initially believed to be unlikely.
Having bought 10 new players like Joao Pedro, Jamie Gittens, Jorrel Hato and Liam Delap back in the summer window, January additions were always unlikely. Chelsea spent almost £300m last summer.
Typically, Chelsea continues to be linked with players, with a new goalkeeper and a centre-back likely to be high on Liam Rosenior’s agenda if the club were to make moves. But it felt unlikely ahead of January.
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However, there have been a few hints and suggestions that could change towards the end of the winter window. Liam Rosenior says Chelsea could enter the January window after he sees everyone play.
What sources are saying about a move for Lucas Paqueta
To the despair of West Ham fans in the midst of a relegation battle, the Hammers were rocked by the news that Brazil star Lucas Paqueta wants to leave. The former Lyon ace came close to Villa recently.
Lucas Paqueta of West Ham United during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Nottingham Forest
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Now, Chelsea are being linked with a move for Paqueta. The front-runners are Brazilian giants Flamengo, who have already signed big-name stars like Jorginho, Saul Niguez and Emerson Royal in recent months.
But Chelsea supposedly have some interest in Paqueta. A new report from Flash Scores says that Chelsea have a ‘level of interest’ while Tottenham and Aston Villa have both made informal inquiries for Paqueta.
However, the report states that a move to another Premier League club is simply not on the cards. West Ham would rather block such an occurrence, and the only chance of an exit is if he goes abroad.
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What Fabrizio Romano has said about Paqueta this week
Paqueta seems to be understanding of West Ham’s wishes when it comes to his future and has proven that by agreeing terms to join Flamengo, according to Fabrizio Romano. But the clubs are yet to agree.
Romano posted on X: “Lucas Paquetá has reached an agreement with Flamengo on personal terms, all done on player’s side. Paquetá wants to return to Brazil, and talks are now ongoing with West Ham.”
Paqueta seems to just want to leave West Ham, and it’s hardly a surprise given the dismal form of the Hammers, which sees them sit eight points behind Leeds in 16th and Nottingham Forest in 17th place.
As things stand, unless Chelsea come in with an enormous offer to tempt West Ham, it looks as if the midfielder will be joining Flamengo in the coming days. Certainly, it feels like he has no West Ham future.
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