Manchester City could still be eyeing up a move for Lucas Paquetá, according to reports.

From the moment Paquetá stepped onto the pitch at the London Stadium, it was clear that West Ham had a very special player on their hands. Over the course of last season, the Brazilian improved game after game and the climax saw him getting a brilliant assist to win his side the Europa Conference League final.

With his brilliant form continuing this season, it’s no wonder the likes of Manchester City are interested in acquiring his services. 

The Citizens were interested in signing the Hammer’s talisman in the Summer, that was until he got caught up in a betting scandal involving some suspicious patterns back in Brazil. It’s now expected that the treble winners will try once again to purchase the player, assuming he is not found guilty of the ongoing investigation, Goal have reported.

David Moyes would have been hopeful that the signing of Matheus Nunes resulted in City no longer requiring Paquetá. However, Kevin De Bruyne’s injury record is starting to become a concern to Pep Guardiola and it is believed that he sees West Ham’s star man as the ideal long-term replacement.

Obviously West Ham fans will be hoping they can keep hold of the midfielder, but that will be no easy task. The Manchester club are apparently going to make a bid in the January transfer window if the allegations have been cleared. It was rumoured that they’d be willing to pay £85 million in the Summer so this could be what they come in for this time around.

Interestingly, as our own Exwhuemployee has confirmed, there is a release clause that comes into effect in Summer 2024 of the same amount. If West Ham do try to demand more City may be willing to wait until then to get him for a lower price. 

Either way, West Ham will be happy to see the investigation drag on as long as possible. His ability is unmatched in the squad and he is not someone they would be able to replace very easily. It is impossible to say what will happen, there is so much uncertainty around a potential deal but the East London faithful will be praying that they can keep their Brazilian magnifico wearing Claret and Blue.

By Charlie Bass