Man City want to sign West Ham star Lucas Paqueta as Hammers continue James Ward-Prowse pursuit
Manchester City is reportedly interested in signing West Ham star Lucas Paqueta, according to talkSPORT. However, West Ham is not willing to sell the Brazilian international. Despite being with West Ham for only a year, Paqueta has already won the hearts of the fans. The Hammers are also hopeful of signing James Ward-Prowse from Southampton, despite their previous £30 million offer being rejected. Ward-Prowse is keen on the move, and West Ham is in advanced talks with Southampton.
West Ham is in danger of losing another key midfielder, as they have already sold Declan Rice to Arsenal. Paqueta joined West Ham from Lyon last summer and, despite initial struggles, he grew into his role and played a crucial part in West Ham’s Conference League victory. However, the opportunity to play for last season’s Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League winners, Manchester City, might be too tempting for Paqueta to resist. Additionally, West Ham may receive an offer they cannot refuse due to the financial backing of Pep Guardiola’s side.
The negotiations for Ward-Prowse have been slow, with Southampton standing firm on their £40 million asking price. West Ham’s initial £20 million bid for the 28-year-old was rejected by Southampton. Ward-Prowse has been with Southampton since he was young and has risen through the ranks to become the captain of the first team.
Despite earning £105 million from the sale of Rice, West Ham has not made any senior signings this summer. Their attempts to sign Manchester United’s Harry Maguire and Scott McTominay have been unsuccessful. However, midfielder Edson Alvarez is expected to join from Ajax in a £40 million deal soon.
Manchester City have entered the race to sign West Ham United star Lucas Paqueta. The Hammers continue to pursue Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse as they look to bolster their squad ahead of the upcoming campaign.
It is believed that Pep Guardiola’s side have had a £15 million offer for the Brazilian turned down by West Ham, who are hopeful of securing the services of Paqueta until 2022. The midfielder, who has been with the London club since his January 2020 arrival from AC Milan, has made just 12 appearances in all competitions so far this season, having been hampered by injuries.
Meanwhile, West Ham are understood to be interested in signing Ward-Prowse from Southampton in the summer. The England international began his career with the Saints and is approaching 300 appearances for the club in all competitions.
Hammers boss David Moyes is believed to be keen on luring the midfielder away from St. Mary’s, with the club prepared to pay up to £40 million for the 26-year-old.
The next few weeks could be crucial as both clubs continue their pursuit of the two talented footballers. With Manchester City’s influence in the transfer market and West Ham’s current financial situation, the moves could be decisive in shaping the futures of both players and clubs alike.