Manchester City are yet to make West Ham United an improved offer for the transfer of Lucas Paqueta. But the Brazilian understands the Irons will sell him for the right bid.
That is according to Sky Sports, which reports that Paqueta understands West Ham will have the final say. But the 25-year-old continues to push for the transfer having now set his sights on a move to Manchester City. He is determined to agree the switch to Etihad Stadium soon.
Talks between Manchester City and West Ham continue after Pep Guardiola’s team made an unsuccessful first bid for the midfielder. While Paqueta is remaining a complete professional at Rush Green despite his desire to leave. He accepts West Ham have the final say on a deal.
Paqueta accepts West Ham hold the cards on any transfer
Paqueta further accepts that West Ham want Manchester City to pay a fair market value for his transfer. So, he has remained totally professional and will be in David Moyes’ plans when the Irons start the 2023/24 Premier League season away to AFC Bournemouth this Saturday.
West Ham are holding out on selling Paqueta having only signed the playmaker from Lyon in August 2022. The Hammers paid a club-record £51m for Paqueta, who signed a five-year contract. His terms at London Stadium also give the Irons an option to extend them to 2028.
Guardiola wants Paqueta to improve Manchester City’s creativity
So, given Paqueta’s contract and what West Ham paid Lyon, the Irons want Manchester City to now pay more than £90m for his transfer, per The Telegraph. The midfielder has an £85m release clause in his contract valid from next summer. So, they will not let him leave for less.
But, according to The Guardian, Manchester City’s first bid was only worth £70m. Guardiola has identified the 42-cap maestro as a late-window target as he pushes to sign an attacking midfielder. Paqueta has the potential to become great, according to Michael Owen, as well.
“I have got a funny feeling he could be a top-class player to grace the Premier League over the next few seasons,” Owen told Premier League Productions (19/10/22, 19:10).
Paqueta ended his debut Premier League season last term with four goals and three assists in 28 games. Moyes started his summer signing in 27 of his appearances. The Irons manager also gave Paqueta the time to adapt to a new country having struggled after leaving France.
