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Published on 2024-02-23 12:00:00
According to reports, Manchester City is considering triggering the release clause of West Ham and Brazil player Lucas Paqueta, under one condition. The 26-year-old was close to moving to the Etihad Stadium last summer for £80 million, but the deal fell through due to investigations by FIFA and FA into the midfielder.
It was revealed during the 2023 summer transfer window that Paqueta was under investigation for suspicious betting patterns, with the results expected soon. Despite the ongoing investigation, Paqueta has been playing for West Ham this season, contributing to 11 goals in various competitions.
However, a calf injury has kept him out for weeks, impacting West Ham’s performance as they haven’t won a game since December. With an £85 million release clause becoming active next summer, West Ham risks losing another key midfielder, following the departure of Declan Rice to Arsenal for £105 million last year.
Manchester City is interested in Paqueta again and is willing to meet the release clause if he is cleared by the investigation. The club is also linked to Joshua Kimmich from Bayern Munich and Pedro Neto from Wolves.
The future of Kalvin Phillips, currently on loan at West Ham, could also affect City’s plans to sign Paqueta, especially after his recent red card. Phillips is not obligated to stay at West Ham permanently.
In summary, City’s interest in Paqueta depends on the investigation outcome, and they have alternative targets in case the deal doesn’t go through. The potential transfer could reshape both City and West Ham’s midfields for the upcoming season.
Read Original article on City Xtra
