Manchester City are intent on sealing a move for Lucas Paqueta after recent reports continue to heavily link the Brazilian with them.
According to Give Me Sport, Manchester City are poised to seal a move for Lucas Paqueta in the summer. West Ham United are aware of the likelihood of their £150,000-a-week playmaker leaving, with the report also pointing towards a possible release clause in his contract that activates after the campaign ends.
Manchester City intent on sealing Lucas Paqueta deal
Manchester City wanted a new midfielder to replace the quality of Ilkay Gundogan last summer, and to no one’s surprise, Pep Guardiola wanted Declan Rice. Arsenal wanted him more and ended up paying a club-record fee to sign him from West Ham United, forcing the Citizens towards his teammate Lucas Paqueta.
After coming very close to signing the Brazilian international, Manchester City then pulled the plug on the deal amid betting allegations on Paqueta. They have since revived their interest, with a recent report stating that Manchester City may have agreed personal terms with the Brazilian’s agents.
In any case, West Ham are likely to accept a bid from Manchester City, as they know Paqueta’s ambitions to challenge the title and other trophies. Under Guardiola, he could also fit in well as a significant alternative to Matheus Nunes and Mateo Kovacic to an extent, although he would suit their overall style.
An agreement between the two clubs still needs to be completed, with Manchester City poised to open dualogue with the Hammers once the season ends. There have been conflicting reports on his potential transfer fee, with some stating it could be around £70 million, although there is a release clause per the story.
Lucas Paqueta’s release clause revealed
For a long time, it was understood that West Ham would demand a significant fee for the Brazilian international, who is on £150,000-a-week wages. Lucas Paqueta has backed up the hype with another brilliant season, posting 15 goal contributions in all competitions.
As per the report, Paqueta’s contract carries an £86 million release clause, which will become active once the season ends. Manchester City will want to negotiate that price, but should they or any other suitor trigger the clause, things are out of West Ham’s hands.
