Football ITK and guru of all the latest transfer news Fabrizio Romano has posted an update on the Lucas Paqueta saga. Posting on X, Romano wrote, “The release clause into Lucas Paquetá contract at West Ham is valid already for July 1 and it’s worth £85m. Man City consider Paquetá one of the ideal targets since last summer; but no decision has been made. Paquetá, keen on potential move since initial talks last year.”
It’s interesting to see the journalist speak so openly about the players desire to sign for City. However, the Brazilian’s summer move is contingent upon him being cleared of gambling charges and Manchester City offloading several players, as reported by The Athletic earlier today.
The last to leave? Paqueta will join Declan Rice as the latest big money transfer to leave West Ham
Interestingly, even the financially robust Manchester City needs to adjust their expenditure due to stricter enforcement of Financial Fair Play regulations. The club is currently grappling with 114 alleged financial irregularities, which they vehemently deny, and this scrutiny appears to have influenced their spending decisions, though it remains to be seen if it will deter them from pursuing West Ham’s standout Brazilian midfielder.
Last summer, Manchester City put a hold on their interest in Paqueta after he came under investigation for gambling-related activities.
Despite these complications, Paqueta is eager to join Manchester City and the club is interested in bringing him to the Etihad Stadium for the upcoming season.