Saudi Pro League clubs are reportedly ahead of Manchester City in the battle to sign 27-year-old Brazilian international Lucas Paqueta from West Ham United this summer.
According to a report by Pete O’Rourke on Football Insider, Lucas Paqueta is the subject of interest from Manchester City. The Citizens have been scouring the market for another playmaker in the summer transfer window. So, the 27-year-old West Ham United attacker has emerged as a target again after coming close to sealing a deal worth £80 million before he fell into a spot-fixing scandal two years ago.
However, while Manchester City will revive the move to sign Paqueta from West Ham in the summer transfer window, they have fallen behind Saudi Pro League clubs in the battle for his signature. Meanwhile, the Hammers are ready to cash in on the South American playmaker in the summer transfer window, slapping a price of £45 million on him.
Lucas Paqueta and his topsy-turvy London ride
Lucas Paqueta has endured a topsy-turvy ride since joining West Ham United from Lyon in a deal worth around £51 million in August 2022. The 27-year-old hit the ground running at the London Stadium, and his productivity immediately made him an asset for the East London outfit.
However, a spot-fixing scandal from two years ago has marred his spell in the Premier League, and he has been inconsistent since then. Paqueta has turned out 120 times thus far for West Ham United while chipping in with 18 goals and 14 assists. Meanwhile, the controversy has ended, with the update capturing the attention of several well-known clubs, including Manchester City.
What next?
Lucas Paqueta has been on Manchester City’s radar for a long time, with the Citizens coming close to moving to the Etihad nearly two years ago. The continued interest makes sense, even though the Citizens have bolstered their midfield and offensive unit with creative players in the summer transfer window.
While the Premier League bigwigs have signed Rayan Cherki and Tijjani Reijnders, Pep Guardiola wants more firepower in the final third. So, Paqueta has emerged as a viable target for Manchester City, with the Citizens reportedly preparing a bid to sign him from West Ham United in the summer transfer window. However, they have fallen behind Saudi Pro League clubs in the battle for his signature.
Meanwhile, West Ham United will demand around £45 million to part ways with the former AC Milan and Lyon playmaker. With West Ham ready to sanction Paqueta’s departure, it will be interesting to see if Manchester City can usurp Saudi Pro League clubs in the chase. However, it is unclear if Manchester City will fork out £45 million to sign the 27-year-old Brazilian international.