Lucas Paqueta’s potential transfer to Manchester City is reportedly set to collapse.
That’s according to leading transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who claims negotiations between the treble-winners and West Ham United have stalled.
Lucas Paquetá deal, now on the verge of collapsing. ?????? #MCFC
Negotiations currently off between Manchester City and West Ham. pic.twitter.com/uE8LAzGGEc
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 18, 2023
Despite making an earlier offer, believed to be worth around £70 million, for the Brazilian playmaker, Pep Guardiola’s side have so far come up short in their efforts to land the 25-year-old.
Clearly determined to keep hold of arguably their most gifted player following the departure of Declan Rice, who joined Arsenal for £105 million at the start of the summer window, the Hammers appear to be holding firm on Paqueta. The Londoners’ stance is perhaps unsurprisingly too; the South American midfielder still has up to five years left on his deal, so the club are in a strong position, negotiation-wise.
And while there have been recent suggestions the Londoners could look to sign Cole Palmer in exchange for Paqueta, with the deal now close to collapsing, it seems a safe bet that both players will continue the new 2023-24 season with their current clubs