West Ham are fighting to keep Brazilian midfielder Lucas Paqueta despite interest from Manchester City, and losing him would be a “huge blow” to the club, according to Jacob Steinberg.
According to a Guardian journalist, it will be difficult for West Ham to keep their top player if Manchester City pushes hard to complete the transaction.He also wanted to establish that rumors in Brazil [Ge Globo, 8 August] about a £70 million offer from Manchester City for Paqueta, which West Ham turned down, were true.
West Ham are already facing a roster revamp this summer, having lost their main man Declan Rice to Arsenal after being involved in a relegation struggle the previous season.The Hammers have failed to complete deals, but more incoming players appear to be on the way, and the last thing they need is to lose another star.
The Brazil international is a bright spark in a workmanlike West Ham team, bringing to East London a source of entertainment for fans and neutrals alike that would be dearly missed at the London Stadium.If he leaves the club, his creative talent and “magic” ball handling will be missed not only by fans but also by the team. His seven goal contributions last season accounted for 16.6% of West Ham’s 42 goals.
Paqueta is said to be a long-term target of City manager Pep Guardiola, who wanted to sign him as a replacement for Bernardo Silva, who ended up staying in Manchester until moving to East London last summer.
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