West Ham provide new element to Lucas Paqueta transfer saga, as suitors Newcastle face double threat
West Ham United could join the race for Newcastle target Lucas Paqueta, as all interested parties seek to establish his wishes, it has been claimed.
Paqueta has been linked with a Premier League transfer this summer. He currently plies his trade for Lyon in France, after previous spells with Flamengo in Brazil and Milan in Italy.
Hence, he has already experienced various footballing cultures by the age of 24. There could be the opportunity for a fresh challenge in England if he wants it.
Paqueta has been linked with the likes of Arsenal and Newcastle United. Although his contract with Lyon still has three years remaining on it, a move might not be out of the question before this summer’s deadline on September 1.
With that in mind, several suitors are keeping tabs on his situation. According to CBS Sports reporter Ben Jacobs, clubs are currently trying to discern if he has any preference.
While Newcastle are in the race, they could face competition from West Ham, as well as Paris Saint-Germain over in Ligue 1.
He said on YouTube: “I think Newcastle will monitor the Paqueta situation. But if Paqueta is really pushing for a move then the clubs that want him, Newcastle included, are trying to establish where that move would be to, whether that’s the league or a specific club.
“Keep an eye on West Ham as well, as they could come into the mix. And keep an eye on PSG who want at least three more signings.”
West Ham have been one of the busier sides in the transfer window. They have signed four new players for their senior team, in addition to making Alphonse Areola’s loan deal permanent.
David Moyes has indicated they need even more new faces though, to help them throughout a season in which they will have four competitions to be involved in.
Meanwhile, more could be expected of Newcastle before the transfer window closes. They have only brought in Nick Pope and Sven Botman, while converting Matt Targett’s temporary stay into a permanent one.
There has been no inbound business for over a month, though. As one of the richest clubs in the Premier League, Newcastle may want to enter the market again.
Lucas Paqueta could make sense for either suitor
Either Newcastle or West Ham could have a space in their squad for Lucas Paqueta. The attack-minded midfielder has hit double figures of goals in both of his full seasons with Lyon so far.
Newcastle have been searching for someone else who can have an impact in the final third. It could be a striker, winger or attacking midfielder like Paqueta.
Meanwhile, West Ham were hoping to bring back Jesse Lingard when Manchester United released him. However, Lingard has joined Nottingham Forest instead. Hence, there could still be a gap in the squad to fill.
Newcastle and Arsenal linked with Lucas Paqueta
Lyon playmaker Lucas Paqueta has been linked with a move to the Premier League, with both Newcastle and Arsenal keen.
Either would have to face the potential threat of PSG making a move for him, though. The French champions can keep him in his current league, while offering Champions League football – something Newcastle and West Ham do not have and are unlikely to in the short-term.
What’s more, he has a relatively high price tag, which may reach record territory for Newcastle or West Ham. PSG are more accustomed to paying the big sums.
Only time will tell where Paqueta ends up by the end of the month.
