How much do Lyon want for Premier League transfer target Lucas Paqueta?
Suraj Radia
- 25 Aug 2022 11:06 CDT
- 3 min read
West Ham are edging closer to the signing of Lucas Paqueta after they increased their offer for the Lyon midfielder.
The Brazilian's agents are in London in the hopes of thrashing out a deal after West Ham's initial bid of €41 million plus €8m in bonuses was rejected.
The Hammers have since made a new offer totalling €57m, with €42m up front and €15m in 'fairly easily attainable' add-ons according to a report in French outlet L'Equipe.
Lyon have yet to respond to the offer however it is close to their €60m asking price, meaning a deal could end up being agreed before the transfer window closes next week.
Paqueta has not yet agreed personal terms with West Ham but is hoping for a move to the Premier League this summer, with Newcastle and Arsenal still retaining an interest in the 24-year-old.
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Lyon are resigned to losing their star playmaker this summer after he expressed his desire to leave and the French side are already believed to have lined up Flamengo midfielder Joao Gomes as a replacement.
Newcastle were initially considered the favourites to sign Paqueta due to his close relationship with Bruno Guimaraes, who he linked up well with at Lyon and for the Brazil national team.
However, the Magpies are set to smash their transfer record by signing Alexander Isak for €70m from Real Sociedad, meaning a big-money move for Paqueta is now unlikely.
❌ "Sometimes he can give the ball away too close to goal because of his showboating."
✅ "The quality, and the class that he could bring is very exciting."@Tim_Vickery outlines the pros and cons of West Ham signing Lucas Paquetá pic.twitter.com/M3dfMWCUJY— Football Daily (@footballdaily) August 25, 2022
Arsenal have also been tracking Paqueta, with director Edu Gaspar publically admitting his admiration for the former Milan star, but they are thought to have other priorities this window.
Manchester City were believed to be considering a move for Paqueta should Bernardo Silva leave the club but the Portuguese midfielder is expected to stay at his current club despite interest from Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona.
Tottenham are another club credited with an interest in Paqueta but no move has been made yet, meaning West Ham may have a clear run at sealing a coup on their rivals.
