West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta in pre-season
Credit: Imago
Evan Lloyd
Sat 30 August 2025 20:22, UK
Lucas Paqueta could leave West Ham in the coming hours, with decision-makers at the London Stadium facing a race against time.
Paqueta is in talks over a move to Aston Villa, with Unai Emery keen to add the Brazilian to his squad.
The Hammers signed the midfielder for around £42million in 2022, and stood behind him as he was accused, and found innocent, of the FA’s betting charges.
And Paqueta appeared to signal his intention to stay when he kissed the West Ham badge after his goal against Chelsea.
In recent days, however, an exit has looked more likely and could happen in the final days of the transfer window.
Lucas Paqueta pre-match before West Ham's pre-season match against Manchester United
Credit: Imago
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West Ham reject opening bid from Aston Villa for Lucas Paqueta
West Ham want north of £50m to consider the sale of Paqueta, who has started the season in fine form.
Tottenham have also been linked, but their interest ended when they signed Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig.
Instead, Villa appear to be the club most likely to sign the midfielder, with Emery keen to add more depth to his attack.
Jacob Steinberg reported on 30 August that the Villans have made an opening bid for Paqueta that would have seen the Brazilian join on loan with an obligation to buy next summer.
Lucas Paqueta Premier League 2024/25
Appearances 33
Goals 4
Assists 0
But West Ham have rejected the offer, and want to keep the 28-year-old at the London Stadium for this season.
Nayef Aguerd also wants to leave West Ham, as well as Guido Rodriguez, following the arrivals of Mateus Fernandes and Soungoutou Magassa.
Emerson Palmieri is expected to join Marseille, and Andy Irving has been in talks with Wrexham, in what will be a dramatic cutting down of Graham Potter’s options.
West Ham risk Lucas Paqueta mistake if sale sanctioned
West Ham are already set to be incredibly busy in the final days of the transfer window, having left much of the business to the final minute.
The sale of Paqueta, whilst attracting a healthy influx of cash, would ultimately add another task to an already long list.
The midfielder may well want the move, but West Ham must prioritise their squad’s ability to compete, having already started the season terribly.
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