Flamengo are reportedly interested in signing Lucas Paquete from West Ham United in the winter transfer window.
According to a report by Globo Esporte, West Ham United have now received a €40 million bid from Flamengo for Lucas Paqueta. It will be interesting to see if they are willing to sanction his departure. The 28-year-old is keen on a return to his homeland.
The Brazilian international has already informed West Ham United of his decision, and it remains to be seen whether the two clubs can finalise an agreement quickly. Paqueta has been a quality performer for West Ham United since joining the club, and he will look to sort out his future quickly.
However, the East London outfit are currently fighting for survival in the Premier League. Losing Lucas Paqueta could prove to be a blow for them. It remains to be seen whether they can convince the 28-year-old midfielder to stay at the club until the end of the season.
He could be a defining presence for them in the coming months. West Ham are 18th in the Premier League table right now. They cannot afford to weaken the team despite the player’s desire to return to Flamengo. It will be interesting to see if West Ham United decide to turn down the offer from the Brazilian club.
Will the Hammers let Paqueta move on?
Lucas Paqueta is keen on the move, and Flamengo are prepared to get the deal done after submitting a €40 million bid. It would not be ideal for West Ham to keep the player against his wishes. It remains to be seen whether they can replace him properly if he is allowed to leave the club.
The Hammers are already lacking in quality in the middle of the park, and the 28-year-old has been their main source of creativity in the midfield. It would be ideal for West Ham United to agree a deal with the Brazilian club, which would see the South American playmaker join them at the end of the season rather than in January.
West Ham have done well to improve their attacking unit during the January transfer window, and they should look to add more quality and depth to their defensive unit as well. Letting the Brazilian international leave the club would leave them short in the middle of the park as well.