26-year-old West Ham player wants to sign for PL rival

After moving to Manchester City in the summer, Lucas Paqueta had hopes of playing with Pep Guardiola, but those hopes fell short.

Lucas Paqueta is still eager to join Manchester City if the opportunity arises, according to The Sun (print) via Hammers. Due to an inquiry into certain betting claims, the 26-year-old West Ham player was unable to join Pep Guardiola’s squad, but he is still open to working with the Catalan coach in the future.

Declan Rice turned them down, therefore Manchester City wasted no time in showing interest in Lucas Paqueta. The 26-year-old West Ham player became Pep Guardiola’s top target after Ilkay Gundogan’s departure, which left a void in the midfield.

A deal was put on hold despite Paqueta agreeing to personal terms with Manchester City and negotiations moving forward with West Ham. Around deadline day, the Cityzens lost interest in Matheus Nunes and eventually acquired him from Wolves.

Manchester City is still interested in Paqueta and may pursue him again in the January transfer window. Since the 26-year-old Brazilian is essential to their ambitions for the current season, West Ham will not consider approaches made around that time.

According to the source, Paqueta’s contract has an £85 million release clause that will go into effect the following summer. Therefore, any club interested in signing the Brazilian midfielder must pay that sum, and the Hammers will undoubtedly not settle for anything less.

In an effort to stave off pursuers, it was also reported that West Ham might offer him a lucrative new contract, with Newcastle United also lining up in the background. Manchester City, however, appears to be in the lead in the race to sign the 26-year-old superstar.

It is known that Paqueta hopes to work with Guardiola in the future if the chance arises. Manchester City may make room in the squad for a player like Paqueta next summer if they are dissatisfied with their midfield acquisitions of Mateo Kovacic or Nunes this summer.

Given that West Ham is engaged in numerous conflicts, a winter transfer looks improbable; yet, a summer transfer is possible. Given that Paqueta already enjoys the notion of playing at the Etihad, Manchester City might have the advantage if they choose to revive their interest.

Paqueta has eight Premier League games this season with one goal and one assist. He has developed into a leader under David Moyes this season and will play a significant part as the Hammers currently lie four points outside the top four in the table.