Pep Guardiola reportedly wants Manchester City to sign 27-year-old Brazilian international Lucas Paqueta from West Ham United in the summer transfer window.
According to a report by Graeme Bailey on TBR Football, Lucas Paqueta is the subject of interest from Manchester City. The Premier League champions were keen on signing the West Ham United attacking mainstay nearly two years ago. However, Pep Guardiola still wants the Citizens to pursue the Brazilian international heading into the summer transfer window.
Lucas Paqueta and his West Ham United story so far
Lucas Paqueta has established himself as one of the best playmakers in the Premier League since joining West Ham United from Lyon in August 2022. The South American midfielder hit the ground running at the London Stadium and has gone from strength to strength in the last three years.
While uncertainty looms over his long-term future due to possible spot-fixing in a few games, the 27-year-old remains a pivotal figure for West Ham United. Paqueta has turned out over 100 times thus far for the East London club while chipping in with 18 goals and 14 assists.
Meanwhile, the Brazilian international has piqued the attention of several well-known clubs across Europe with his exploits for West Ham United. Manchester City will likely be among the prospective suitors vying for his signature heading into the summer transfer window.
Move across the Premier League on the cards?
Lucas Paqueta has been on Manchester City’s radar for a long time. The Premier League champions were keen on signing the West Ham United playmaker in the summer transfer window. However, the deal did not see the light of day after news emerged of his involvement in a possible spot-fixing scandal.
Since then, Paqueta’s long-term future has been uncertain, although he has received ample support from West Ham United. Meanwhile, Manchester City’s interest in the player has not waned, and Pep Guardiola still wants the Premier League champions to launch an offensive to secure his services.
Manchester City’s interest is understandable, considering Kevin De Bruyne will depart from the Etihad in the summer transfer window. In addition, Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva face an uncertain future at Manchester City. So, Paqueta is a viable target, especially if his controversy fades in the coming months.