Reigning Premier League champions Manchester City are reportedly still interested in signing West Ham maestro Lucas Paqueta, with a January move on the cards.
The Brazilian has been a fabulous signing for the Hammers since arriving from Lyon last year, oozing quality with his technical ability and intelligence in the middle of the park.
Paqueta has arguably become one of the first names on David Moyes’ team sheet at the moment, and he has forged a strong understanding with the likes of Edson Alvarez and James Ward-Prowse in West Ham’s midfield.
The Brazil international was strongly linked with a move to City in the summer transfer window, but the transfer seemingly fell through after he was investigated for betting activity.
According to a new update from UOL, Pep Guardiola is still eyeing the signing of Paqueta moving forward, assuming he is cleared of the allegations.
A move in the January window is far from out of the question, putting the Hammers at risk of losing one of their star men.
Paqueta has been such a fantastic signing by West Ham, not only bringing so much quality but also a strong work ethic, and losing him midway through the season would be a significant blow for Moyes.
He adds so much guile in attacking areas, not to mention an ability to retain possession, and he has scored four goals this season, in all competitions.
The lure of moving to City is great for most players, considering the trophy-winning capabilities that they have, as well as having arguably the world’s best manager in Guardiola, so it could be difficult for Paqueta to turn down a switch to the Etihad.
The hope is that the 26-year-old stays put at the London Stadium for at least the remainder of this season, though, before potentially moving on in next summer’s transfer window.
The betting allegations hanging over Paqueta certainly don’t seem to be affecting his performances, and while the ongoing issue could put City off, almost acting as a bonus to West Ham in some ways, it is important that he is cleared sooner rather than later.
