Redaction Willow Austin
Published on 2024-03-21 19:30:00
Lucas Paqueta, the midfielder from West Ham and Brazil, has addressed rumors about potential transfer interest from Manchester City this summer.
Last summer, the Premier League champions showed a strong interest in the playmaker as they sought to replace Ilkay Gundogan, who moved to Barcelona, and Kevin De Bruyne, who was facing a long-term injury.
However, a potential £85 million move for Paqueta was put on hold due to an ongoing investigation by the Football Association into gambling allegations against the player, leading to Manchester City withdrawing from negotiations.
Despite the investigation still ongoing, Manchester City remains interested in Paqueta and reports suggest they are willing to wait to secure his signature in the coming weeks or months.
During a recent press conference while on international duty with Brazil, Lucas Paqueta refused to discuss the Manchester City transfer rumors, emphasizing his focus on West Ham United for the remainder of the season.
“I have a lot of respect for my club, West Ham. I have had a successful season, which has helped me in the Premier League,” Paqueta said in an interview translated and relayed by Sport Witness.
“Out of respect for them, I need to remain focused on my responsibilities at West Ham and continue working.”
Manchester City’s interest in Paqueta seems to be linked to the future of Bernardo Silva, who has been the subject of exit rumors in recent years.
The Portuguese playmaker has expressed a desire to move closer to his native Portugal, with Barcelona rumored to be interested but facing financial constraints set by Manchester City.
Although Silva signed a contract extension with Manchester City last summer, there are reports of a potential release clause in the agreement.
