Manchester City’s move for West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta is now off according to multiple reports overnight. After reports of the Brazilian international being investigated over alleged betting breaches, it’s no surprise to see the champions turn their attention elsewhere in the market.
Fabrizio Romano has reported that the Manchester City board has turned its attention elsewhere. In addition, he adds that they consider the deal of Paqueta off since last week. He also adds that the Paqueta deal was a separate deal from the imminent Jeremy Doku signing.
Manchester City board consider Lucas Paquetá deal off since last week — no changes, already looking at different options. 🔵⛔️🇧🇷 #MCFC
Doku deal was not linked to Paquetá as City opened talks with Rennes more than 20 days ago. pic.twitter.com/qcz68m4GoQ
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 22, 2023
Sami Mokbel of the Daily Mail also reports that the European champions have withdrawn their interest after the betting scandal emerged. Also included in Mokbel’s report that a £85 million deal had been agreed between the two clubs.
Sky Sports is also reporting that the deal is now off. They add that there was a small chance of the deal being on, but now the deal is off due to the betting investigation.
BREAKING: Manchester City’s move to sign Lucas Paqueta from West Ham United is now totally off ❌ pic.twitter.com/U2s3sWHENW
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) August 22, 2023
It remains to be seen if the treble winners will rekindle their move for the Brazilian at a later date. With the deal almost complete before the betting investigation became public, it appears City have shifted their attention elsewhere this window. With Kevin De Bruyne’s injury accelerating the need for a midfielder, it does appear Paqueta’s chance at a move to the champions is now lost.
