Manchester City are very keen to sign Lucas Paqueta – and it is very interesting to consider what this might mean for one current Etihad star.
After signing Croatian duo Mateo Kovacic and Josko Gvardiol, City are now seemingly ready to add a third new face.
Apparently, City are actively trying to land Paqueta from West Ham United.
Reportedly, City have already seen on £70 million bid rejected. He will reportedly cost at least £85 million.
It was claimed late last night that City are now in advanced talks to sign the player.
MORE MAN CITY STORIES
West Ham are reluctant to lose the Brazilian and so, it’s possible they could demand a pretty big fee.
There is potential for City to offer a player plus cash to get a deal done.
If Paqueta signs, then City fans will be especially intrigued to see how Phil Foden is affected.
Phil Foden’s Etihad career could stall if Lucas Paqueta comes to Man City
For a while now, many City fans have wanted to see Foden play in central midfield.
And actually, a lot of fans simply want to see him starting regularly just anywhere in the team again.
2022/23 was a bit of a frustrating one for Foden, whose injury problems earlier in the campaign prevented him from being a nailed-on pick for Pep Guardiola.
At the end of the season, the Spaniard did give him some chances in the middle of midfield.
And Foden looked very good in a central role.
With Paqueta being a central player, it’s hard to say that Foden would not be affected.
Given the options Guardiola would have in the middle, Foden would perhaps have to try and get in the team on the wing.
Left wing is pretty locked down right now with Jack Grealish.
And on the right, Bernardo Silva would simply have to play, being the world-class player that he is.
And certainly, the Portuguese would operate there if no right winger is signed.
Foden has been described as ‘a generational talent’ by former City defender Andy Morrison among others.
He has previously won the PFA Young Player of the Year award, and at one stage looked to be entering the world-class bracket.
But it’s been a bit tricky for him in recent times, and you would imagine any move for Paqueta would only make his life more difficult.