Manchester City were strongly linked with Lucas Paqueta in the summer transfer window, and there is still speculation about the West Ham United attacking midfielder.
TalkSPORT reported in September that Manchester City made a bid of £70 million for West Ham United playmaker Lucas Paqueta in the summer transfer window.
Paqueta wanted to move to City, who won the Premier League, the UEFA Champions League and the FA Cup last season.
West Ham turned down the offer from the Citizens.
According to TalkSPORT, City subsequently dropped their interest in Paqueta after he “became the subject of an FA betting investigation” and signed Matheus Nunes from Wolverhampton Wanderers instead.
Lucas Paqueta continues to be linked with Manchester City
Rumours about a possible move to City in the future have emerged in recent days.
The Sun on Sunday (print edition October 15th, page 75) reported that Paqueta is dreaming of a transfer to City in the summer of 2024.
The report in the British tabloid claimed that the Brazil international star has an £85 million release clause in his contract that will become active in 2024.
On Sunday, Football Transfers reported that City are still interested in Paqueta and “admire” him.
The report claimed that City could make an approach for the 26-year-old again once the FA investigation into alleged betting breaches is over.
Fabrizio Romano give his take on Lucas Paqueta rumour
Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano has shared his take on the situation of Paqueta.
Romano has said that although City have always admired the former Lyon star, they are not actively looking to bring him to the Etihad Stadium at the moment.
The transfer expert told CaughtOffSide: “Paqueta has always been appreciated by City, as we’ve known for a long time but there’s nothing new happening at the moment.
“City signed Matheus Nunes in the summer in that position, so another similar signing in midfield might not make sense as a priority.
“Of course, Kalvin Phillips could leave, as I reported last week, but for now there’s no decision made on the midfielder position for January, and it will also depend on the formula for the Phillips deal.”
I do not see City making a move for Paqueta.
The West Ham no. 10 is a very good player who can operate out wide, down the middle as a central attacking midfielder or in a more deeper role.
However, City have enough good midfielders and do not exactly need Paqueta.
The Brazilian has made 37 appearances in the Premier League so far in his career.
Paqueta has scored five goals and given four assists in those games.
