‘I’d be amazed’ – Man City told how much it will cost to sign Lucas Paqueta
Manchester City have been told it would cost £50million to sign West Ham star Lucas Paqueta this summer.
Football Insider revealed on 1 August Man City are readying a new move for Paqueta after he’s been cleared in his spot-fixing case.
An £85million release clause became active in the Brazil international’s contract in June 2023, with Pep Guardiola‘s side ready to secure his signature at the time.
West Ham rejected Man City’s opening offer worth £70million, but the club’s executives were then anticipating a second bid before the FA investigation scuppered the deal.
Paqueta has featured heavily for the Hammers throughout pre-season as he remains a key figure at the London Stadium.
Man City have spent around £150million on new signings this summer, having added Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Cherki, Rayan Ait-Nouri, Marcus Bettinelli, Sverre Nypan and James Trafford to their squad.
Lucas Paqueta to Man City would be ‘very surprising’ move
This article contains exclusive comment from Stefan Borson, a former financial adviser to Man City.
Paqueta joined West Ham in a £51million deal from Lyon in 2022, with his contract set to run until June 2027.
The 27-year-old registered five goals in 36 appearances last season as Man City continue to be linked with acquiring his services.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Borson said: “I’d be amazed if City moved for Paqueta.
“I mean, he’s 28 in a couple of weeks, so just after the season starts.
“I think we’ve seen that players of that age, with a few exceptions, obviously Luis Diaz being the biggest exception, that sort of age of player these days just tends not to go for very big money.
“I would be very surprised if City were to move for him, given that he’d cost £50million probably now.
“I think it’s extremely unlikely, but there does seem to be a bit of noise around it.”
Man City make Ilkay Gundogan transfer decision
In terms of other transfer activity, Football Insider revealed on 9 August Man City plan to keep Ilkay Gundogan despite speculation surrounding a possible move to Galatasaray.
Guardiola is reluctant to let the veteran midfielder go before the window closes, with his experience providing a valuable asset to a new-look squad at the Etihad Stadium.
Galatasaray were believed to be plotting a move to sign Gundogan as part of their spending spree this summer.
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