West Ham United have decided that they will entertain offloading Lucas Paqueta if one of his admirers are prepared to meet their demands as head coach Graham Potter is desperate to have enough cash to make last-minute alterations to his London Stadium squad, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.
Despite allowing Mohammed Kudus to complete a £55million switch to arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur earlier in the summer transfer window, the Hammers are open to offloading more big-names in the aftermath of starting the season with back-to-back defeats at the hands of Sunderland and Chelsea.
Mads Hermansen has conceded eight goals since sealing a £20million move from Leicester City and moving ahead of Alphonse Areola in the goalkeeping pecking order, leading to West Ham seeking to improve their budget and increase their chances of securing further reinforcements before the September 1 deadline.
Hammers Open to Sanctioning Paqueta's Exit
Lucas Paqueta in action for West Ham United
West Ham are set to consider serious offers to sign Paqueta even though his goal was among the only positives to come from the harrowing loss to Chelsea last week, according to GMS sources, but they are in line to hold out for a fee in the region of £60million as he has not given indications that he is desperate to embark on a fresh challenge.
The Brazil international, who is on a contract which allows him to pocket £150,000-per-week, opened the scoring with a stunning long-range strike before the Hammers' defence was breached on five occasions to leave them still searching for their first Premier League point of the season.
GMS sources have been informed that West Ham are not actively seeking a buyer for Paqueta, who found the back of the net five times in all competitions last term, but interested parties have discovered that he is not out of reach as they are open to offloading him if a suitable proposal is put on the table.
Lucas Paqueta's statistics for West Ham United during the 2024/25 campaign
The creative midfielder was officially cleared of spot-fixing charges earlier this month, following a lengthy investigation by the Football Association, resulting in admirers being able to head into negotiations without there being fears that he will be banned shortly after his arrival from east London.
Paqueta's celebration after getting his name on the scoresheet against Chelsea underlined his commitment to West Ham, but GMS sources have learned that his current employers have made it clear that there is a pathway out of the capital and a potential exit will be discussed if he is the subject of a bid.
Potter Unwilling to Sell Paqueta For Cut-Price
West Ham United head coach Graham Potter on the touchline
GMS sources have been told that West Ham have ruled out the possibility of allowing Paqueta to depart for less than £50million as it has been acknowledged that he is a fan favourite and has connected with the supporters, but they are willing to sell him at the right price before the transfer window slams shut.
The 27-year-old, who has been described as 'incredible' by former Hammers boss David Moyes, played a key role in the east Londoners winning the Europa Conference League in June 2023 and has been gaining interest as sides aim to bolster their respective squads ahead of the fast-approaching deadline.
West Ham have accepted that they would have to seriously contemplate giving Paqueta the green light to head through the exit door if a serious offer arrives, GMS sources understand, but he is not agitating for a switch at a time when Tottenham have been among the domestic counterparts circling.
GMS sources recently revealed that the Hammers have been mulling over making a move to land Hayden Hackney from Championship side Middlesbrough, which would result in Potter having more options in the middle of the park, but there may also be outgoings in the coming days.
All statistics courtesy of Sofascore - correct as of 24/08/2025
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