West Ham star ‘agrees’ long-term Man City deal as Moyes stands firm on huge £95m demand

Harry Watkinson 11 Aug 2023 3:35 PM

Man City linked West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta

West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta has reportedly agreed to a six-year contract with Manchester City as the two clubs tussle over his transfer fee.

The Cityzens have already made a bid worth €101m (£87.2m) for the Brazilian as they try and reach an agreement with David Moyes’ side.

West Ham have already rejected the offer, though, and are demanding a fee of €110m (£95m). The Citizens have the funds needed to match such a fee, so it is now a waiting game to see whether they will return with a third bid.

Pep Guardiola seems desperate to sign Paqueta this summer as he looks to add improvement to his midfield. The 25-year-old made 41 appearances across all competitions for the Hammers. In the process, he scored five goals and made seven assists.

West Ham are understandably reluctant to lose another key midfielder this summer, though. They have already sold star player Declan Rice to Arsenal for a stunning fee of £105m.

£87.2m is a lot to turn down for Paqueta regardless, especially when the player wants to leave and has a release clause of £80m that becomes active in 2024.

West Ham are holding out for more, though, so it will be interesting to see if Man City match their £95m price tag.

Paqueta ‘agrees’ six-year Man City deal

According to French journalist Mohamed Bouhafsi, Paqueta has reached an agreement in principle for a six-year contract with Man City.

This will come as a major boost to Guardiola, who, as mentioned, seems desperate to sign the West Ham star as soon as possible.

Paqueta could be an excellent option for Man City to have at their disposal. He is versatile, with the ability to play as an attacking, central or defensive midfielder. He could therefore provide cover for the likes of Kevin de Bruyne, Rodri, Bernardo Silva and others this season.

Moyes admitted in a recent interview that there had been ‘an offer’ for Paqueta, so there is no doubt things are moving quickly.

“We’ve had an offer from Manchester City, but it’s not anywhere near meeting our valuation,” Moyes said.

West Ham seem to be sticking to their £95m valuation. That isn’t a really a surprise, either, considering they have just received £105m for Rice and therefore don’t really need the cash.

Now, the ball is in Man City’s court, with Man City set to make a decision on whether to make another bid for the midfielder imminently.

Manchester City Lucas Paqueta