Manchester City have offered West Ham United £70m for Lucas Paqueta, according to the Globe.
The Hammers have not responded to the offer but are likely to reject it and demand a higher fee. The Brazil international has been an integral part of David Moyes since his arrival from Lyon last summer for around £51m.
Paqueta impressed in London, scoring five goals and providing seven assists in 41 games for West Ham. He helped them win the European Conference League at the end of the season.Paqueta has filled multiple roles for the Hammers and would be a great addition alongside Pep Guardiola.
He can play in midfield or on the wings at City. He can explode under the Spanish manager, but whether they can pry him away from West Ham remains to be seen. The London side have been criticized for being slow in the transfer market despite losing key players.
They lost Declan Rice and Gianluca Scamacca but did not sign anyone due to a transfer dispute at the club. They could decide to keep Paquet as the season is set to start in a few days. A departure would leave them thin at center, especially as they try to bring in recruits.
As for City, they have only added defender Josko Gvardiol and midfielder Mateo Kovacic this summer. After losing Riyad Mahrez and Ilkay Gundogan, they have to dive into the market. The move for Paqueta will allow Bernardo Silva to remain on the wing permanently, while the Brazilian takes up a place in midfield.
Pep Guardiola reportedly wants more signings as they look to defend their treble from last season.
Their title defense was given a major boost yesterday when Kyle Walker decided to stay in England for a move to German giants Bayern Munich.
The signing of Paqueta from West Ham could be another massive boost for the Citizens ahead of the upcoming season.
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