West Ham, who have revived their move for the Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse, have lost Declan Rice and are reluctant to sell another key player
Manchester City is considering a £70 million bid for West Ham’s Lucas Paquetá.
Manchester City is considering a £70 million bid for West Ham’s Lucas Paquetá.
West Ham must fight to keep Lucas Paquetá, who has emerged as a target for Manchester City. Pep Guardiola wants to reinforce his midfield, and Paquetá wants to join the treble champions. West Ham have resurrected their pursuit of Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse after losing Declan Rice and are hesitant to deal another vital player. City could put their resolve to the test by making a £70 million deal for Paquetá, but an official offer has yet to be lodged.
Paquetá has shown signs of becoming unsettled and contemplating his future. After joining West Ham from Lyon for £51 million last summer, the Brazil international quickly established himself as a fan favourite at the London Stadium.
Paquetá scored five goals last season and grew in importance in the closing third. The 25-year-old is a creative talent who set up Jarrod Bowen’s winner against Fiorentina in the Europa Conference League final.
Paquetá, on the other hand, has not always appeared to be a good fit for David Moyes’ approach. West Ham are most dangerous when they absorb pressure and attempt to attack on the counterattack. Paquetá might be more effective in a team that dominates possession.
That would be the situation at City, who have space in midfield after losing Ilkay Gündogan on a free transfer to Barcelona. City signed Chelsea’s Mateo Kovacic and were interested in Rice before he joined Arsenal for £105 million. The European champions have also lost Algerian winger Riyad Mahrez to the Saudi Pro League and could replace him with Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise, who is also a Chelsea target.
West Ham have been frustrated since selling Rice, but they are set to reveal Mexico midfielder Edson lvarez as their first summer acquisition. They have negotiated a £32 million agreement with Ajax and want to recruit another midfielder. West Ham have had a £30 million bid for Manchester United’s Scott McTominay rejected and are now pursuing Ward-Prowse again.
Southampton turned down West Ham’s most recent bid, worth up to £30 million, and the deal appeared to be dead at the start of the week. Talks have resumed, and the clubs are getting closer to an agreement for the 28-year-old. Southampton value Ward-Prowse at £40 million, but West Ham are willing to pay less.
West Ham are also looking for a center-back and are hoping to recruit Harry Maguire from Manchester United. They have made a £30 million bid for England’s center-back. West Ham are also interested in loaning Chelsea left-back Ian Maatsen with a purchase option. According to sources, West Ham has a chance to sign Maatsen on a permanent basis.
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