West Ham expert stunned by Lucas Paqueta update – ‘Forget about De Bruyne’
Lucas Paqueta would be a starter for Man City if he makes the move from West Ham United.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former Hammers and Celtic striker Frank McAvennie was adamant that the Brazilian is worth up to £100million and was confident he would already be a Citizen if not for an FA investigation into suspicious betting activity.
Sources have told Football Insider (27 February) that Man City have already paved the way for a new swoop for the midfield star.
Pep Guardiola’s side had agreed an £80million deal in principle to sign Paqueta last summer, but the investigation saw City abandon the deal.
West Ham ace Lucas Paqueta is a shoo-in for Man City
Regardless, he has remained one of the Hammers’ best players this season having bagged five goals and six assists across 29 games in all competitions.
McAvennie hailed the 26-year-old as a “player he’d pay to watch” and suggested Man City would not have missed superstar Kevin De Bruyne during his injury if they’d snapped up Paqueta in the summer.
“He’s definitely worth £100million in today’s market,” he told Football Insider.
“If it wasn’t for the gambling stuff, he’d already be at Man City.
“He would be starting in that Man City team at the moment.
“They would’ve forgotten about Kevin De Bruyne when he was injured – Paqueta would be in his place.
“He brings that spark and energy – people look forward to him getting on the ball.
“He’s not a show-off or anything – I don’t mean that.
“He’s a damn good player. No one is worth £100million, but if anyone is, he’d be up there.
“It’s a terrible price to put on somebody’s head, but in today’s football [he’d be worth it].
“He’s the kind of player I’d pay to go and watch.”
In other news, West Ham offered chance to sign Bundesliga icon this summer.
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