Chelsea are weighing up a move for West Ham midfielder Lucas Paquetá as they look to reinforce their squad during the winter transfer window.
The Blues are keen to add creativity and experience to their midfield as they continue their push for a Champions League place under new head coach Liam Rosenior.
Paquetá has emerged as one of several names under consideration, with Chelsea understood to be closely tracking developments around his future, according to Renan Moura.
Reports suggest West Ham are reluctant to entertain offers below £35 million for the Brazilian, who has 18 months remaining on his current contract. However, Paquetá is believed to be open to a departure, having grown increasingly unsettled following a lengthy FA investigation into alleged spot-fixing offences — allegations he was cleared of last summer.
That investigation previously derailed a high-profile £85 million move to Manchester City in 2023, despite Pep Guardiola’s side having agreed terms in principle with both club and player.
West Ham United's Lucas Paqueta. (Reuters/Andrew Boyers)
West Ham United’s Lucas Paqueta. (Reuters/Andrew Boyers)
Since then, Paquetá has remained a key figure at the London Stadium, playing a pivotal role in West Ham’s Europa Conference League triumph under David Moyes, who once described him as a “maverick” talent.
This season, the 28-year-old has registered five goals and one assist across all competitions, though his future has been thrown into further doubt after he asked not to be involved in West Ham’s recent FA Cup victory over QPR.
Former club Flamengo are currently thought to be leading the race for his signature and are reportedly prepared to offer around £35 million.
West Ham, however, are holding out for a higher fee and are wary of losing a central figure at a time when they are battling to pull clear of the relegation zone.
With Paquetá’s contract ticking down and his desire to move seemingly growing, West Ham face a delicate decision. Whether they cash in now or attempt to retain one of their most influential players through a difficult period could prove crucial — not only to their season, but to their longer-term plans as well.