Manchester City are keen on signing West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paqueta, who has agreed a six-year deal with them.
According to reputed French journalist Mohamed Bouhafsi, Lucas Paqueta has already agreed personal terms with Premier League champions Manchester City. And the treble will now look to agree on a fee with West Ham United.
The English champions will have to pay €110 million if they want to sign the Brazilian international. Manchester City seem determined to improve their midfield options this summer. The departure of Ilkay Gundogan has forced them to look at a number of alternatives.
Manchester City have already signed Mateo Kovacic from Chelsea but they will need to replace the attacking output of the German international midfielder. Someone like Paqueta will certainly add creativity and goals to the side. And Manchester City have already advanced talks to secure his services.
The Brazilian playmaker has the attributes to develop into a top-class player, and he certainly deserves to play for a Champions League-level club. Although he has done quite well for West Ham since joining the club, the Hammers are open to discussing a deal for him. It will be interesting to see if Manchester City are willing to shell out a premium for him.
🔵 Lucas #Paqueta has agreed to a 6-year contract with Manchester City. He spoke with Pep Guardiola. Man City made an offer of 85 million + 10 in bonuses. West Ham want 110 million without bonuses. Ongoing negotiations but Man City are optimistic given the player's willingness.
— Mohamed Bouhafsi (@mohamedbouhafsi) August 11, 2023
West Ham recently sold Declan Rice for a British transfer record fee, and they have not been able to replace them adequately. It will be interesting to see how they replace Paqueta and Rice in one window. The Hammers have been linked with a number of midfielders in recent weeks including James Ward-Prowse. They will have to add defensive cover and creativity to the side in order to replace the two players.
Meanwhile, Paqueta will be hoping to compete for major trophies with Manchester City if he joins the club, and he will be looking forward to testing himself regularly in the UEFA Champions League. For now, he has agreed a six-year contract with the Premier League champions.
Also Read: West Ham 2023/24 Premier League Season Preview
Manchester City certainly have the financial resources to pay the €110 million asking price. But it seems exorbitant, and City will probably hope that West Ham will lower their demands in time. It will be interesting to see if a summer move materialises.
