Lucas Paqueta has reportedly rejected the overtures of several Premier League sides as he remains intent on joining Flamengo.
According to TEAMtalk, Flamengo are seen as the clear favourites to land Lucas Paqueta, with the attacking midfielder rejecting overtures from several Premier League sides this month. The West Ham United star remains intent on returning to his former club in Brazil. However, the Hammers could force the issue and keep hold of him this month.
Lucas Paqueta remains the big story out of West Ham United, who are doing everything in their power to keep hold of the South American midfielder this month. There have been reports stating the Brazilian is ready to leave the Hammers this month, and over the last few days, things have accelerated.
West Ham find themselves in a precarious position when it comes to the relegation fight, as they are currently 18th in the league, seven points away from the nearest safety spot. They still have a good chance to beat the drop, but that would depend on their transfer activity this month as well as the ability to keep hold of a player of Lucas Paqueta’s quality.
Paqueta has agreed terms with Flamengo over a move, as he wants to make a return to his former club in an attempt to find a new challenge. He was close to leaving the Hammers back in the summer, as Aston Villa were heavily linked with a move, but ultimately chose to stay with the Londoners.
Chelsea have entered the race of late, as per a few reports, while Tottenham have also explored the possibility following the injury to Rodrigo Bentancur. Spurs are now close to signing Conor Gallagher, but both Spurs and Chelsea are keen to add a new attacking midfielder; they remain linked alongside Aston Villa for Lucas Paqueta.
Lucas Paqueta to Flamengo?
Paqueta has reportedly rejected overtures from Chelsea, Aston Villa and Tottenham, while making it clear he wants to join Flamengo. The Brazilian side are willing to fork out £30 million, but West Ham are demanding a fee close to £50 million, including add-ons, to even consider a sale, although their preference is to keep hold of the midfielder to give them a good chance to fight off relegation.
The report highlights that Flamengo may not pay as much as the Hammers are demanding for the £50 million-rated star, although the two sides could revisit the situation around March when things could get clearer. As for Lucas Paqueta, despite some rumours that he might go on a strike to force a move, the midfielder is not planning any drastic steps to get his wish, although he is likely to leave the Hammers sooner rather than later.
