Reported Newcastle target Lucas Paqueta in action for Brazil
West Ham United are reportedly closing in on a deal for Lyon midfielder Lucas Paqueta after personal terms edged headed in the right direction, according to L’Equipe.
The lowdown: Moving fast
The Hammers have well and truly stepped up their pursuit of Paqueta over the last few days as David Moyes looks to strengthen the midfield department at the London Stadium.
Subject to interest from Newcastle, Arsenal and Manchester City, the 24-year-old Brazil international has been highly sought after and as such, West Ham are hellbent on getting a transfer wrapped up swiftly.
Now, having had two bids reportedly rejected for Paqueta, it seems as though the switch is closer than ever as fresh claims from France emerge…
The latest: Personal terms ‘very close’
As per L’Equipe, West Ham and Lyon are believed to have ‘come closer’ due to the player’s talks with the Irons.
While the Ligue 1 side haven’t accepted anything yet, it’s claimed that Paqueta and the Irons are ‘not far from finalising the details’ of a deal that would see the creative Brazilian sign a deal to stay in east London until 2027.
The French media believe a ‘contractual agreement’ is ‘very close’, which could force Lyon’s hand somewhat.
The verdict: Statement signing
Adding a player of Paqueta’s proven quality to the West Ham ranks will be a huge statement of intent from GSB, particularly following what has been a disappointing start to the 2022/23 campaign.
Albeit the midfield combination of Declan Rice and Tomas Soucek has worked well previously, it’s a pairing full of industry and endeavour, with little in the way of creativity, an area the Brazilian’s arrival could solve immediately, perhaps alongside the arrival of Club Brugge captain Hans Vanaken.
Last season, the former AC Milan sensation scored 11 times and provided seven assists in 44 appearances across all competitions, earning a 7.13 average SofaScore rating whilst winning 7.3 duels, successfully completing 2.3 dribbles and making 1.2 key passes on average per game, showcasing impressive attacking and defensive acumen in the process.
Dubbed ‘really really good‘ by former Arsenal and Everton striker Kevin Campbell and a potential ‘incredible signing‘ amid links to Newcastle by Frank McAvennie, there can be little doubting that West Ham will have pulled off a major coup if this deal gets over the line.
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