Man City set sights on new Lucas Paqueta bid after confirmed West Ham news
Man City are readying a new move for Lucas Paqueta two years after his previous transfer collapsed, sources have told Football Insider.
The 27-year-old Brazilian is back on City’s radar now that he has been cleared by an FA betting probe, almost two years after an investigation was launched into a pattern of yellow cards.
An £85m release clause was set to become active in June 2023, with Pep Guardiola‘s side ready to secure his signature at the time.
West Ham rejected their opening offer of £70m, but the club’s executives were then anticipating a second bid. That never came due to the FA investigation.
Graham Potter to cash in on West Ham star
Graham Potter is attempting to rebuild the squad this summer, with moves already made for El Hadji Malick Diouf, Kyle Walker-Peters, and Daniel Cummings, spending just £19m [BBC Sport].
Stefan Borson told Football Insider in May that West Ham were laying the groundwork for a rebuild, with £55million available following Mohammed Kudus’ big-money move to Tottenham [BBC Sport].
The former Brighton and Chelsea figure could be without another one of his stars should a move be sanctioned for their attacking midfielder ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
And, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Mick Brown said that West Ham plan to accept an offer of £30m for Paqueta after being cleared of the charges against him.
Pep Guardiola continues drastic Man City rebuild
The Citizens have splashed the cash once again, signing Rayan Ait-Nouri, Rayan Cherki, and Tijjani Reijnders all before the Club World Cup kicked off in America.
Seemingly, Guardiola is not yet done after the departures of Kevin De Bruyne and Kyle Walker, and the Catalan is in no mood for a repeat of last season, going without a trophy for the first time since 2016/17.
Guardiola has already threatened to quit over the size of his squad this summer, and therefore, supporters will be expecting several more exits before the new season kicks off.
Signing Paqueta would certainly help fill the void left by De Bruyne’s departure, but after the recent distractions bothering him on the pitch, a return to Brazil could also be on the cards.