Man City could return for summer target as Bernardo Silva replacement

James Shearman

• Updated: 24 Feb 2024 13:01 GMT
• 2 min read

Manchester City are reportedly considering a move for Lucas Paqueta in the next transfer window.

City were close to signing the West Ham star last summer but the move was scuppered by an investigation into suspicious betting activity.

Instead, City signed Matheus Nunes from Wolves, who is yet to find his feet at the Etihad Stadium.

However, City's interest in Paqueta has not diminished, with a move still on the cards, according to The Telegraph.

The reports states that, should Bernardo Silva leave in the summer, the 26-year-old would be their top replacement target.

Silva was previously linked with a move to Barcelona, while Paris Saint-Germain and clubs from the Saudi Pro League are also eyeing him up.

Paqueta betting investigation

The FA is conducting an enquiry into betting activities relating to wagers over the midfielder to get a yellow card in various Premier League games.

These bets were placed within Brazil and are said to have originated from an address near Paqueta’s hometown near Rio.

Paqueta has denied any wrongdoing and there is no suggestion that he himself placed any bets on the yellow cards.

City are reticent to move for the player while these claims hang over him, with the Premier League champions frustrated at how slowly the process is moving forward.