One of Manchester City’s primary transfer targets remains eager to join the club this summer. A report from the Athletic indicates that Lucas Paqueta remains eager to join the European champions. But there are hurdles to clear to make the Brazilian international’s dream a reality this summer.
Included in the Athletic’s report are two major obstacles in City’s bid to sign Paqueta. The first is the ongoing betting investigation into the Brazilian international. As per the Athletic’s report, Manchester City will not make a move for Paqueta until the FA investigation is completed. The second obstacle is also the potential of City only moving for Paqueta if any key players depart the Etihad. Furthermore, the Athletic reports that Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva could potentially be two key players to leave the world champions to accommodate Paqueta’s potential arrival.
It would appear that a Manchester City move for Lucas Paqueta is a relatively simple move to complete. With Fabrizio Romano having previously reported that there is an £86 million release clause in his contract with West Ham, there is no need for negotiations between the two clubs. Manchester City knows the terms required to complete the deal. With Paqueta eager to join the treble winners in an ideal world, the deal would be completed with minimal fuss.
Lucas Paquetá release clause, not valid this summer. The clause is worth £85m and understood to be valid only from June 2024. ✨🇧🇷 #WHUFC
Paquetá would love to join Man City but West Ham have no intention to accept £70m fee discussed this week. pic.twitter.com/MGZf2CKCef
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 9, 2023
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But the one major hurdle that remains in the way of a deal for one of Manchester City’s primary transfer targets has the potential to scupper any deal. As the ongoing betting investigation into the Brazilian international continues without resolution, it could force Manchester City’s hand. If there isn’t a resolution forthcoming, the champions will most likely shift their attention elsewhere.
It would be a great shame if Paqueta doesn’t get his move to the Etihad. As a player, he appears to be the perfect addition to Pep Guardiola’s squad. With his technical ability, versatility, tenacity, and proven pedigree, the step up to play for Manchester City is one he appears capable of making. He has shown his tremendous ability in his spells with Lyon and West Ham. That ability does appear ideally suited to find a role in the Manchester City squad.
The hope now is that the hurdles can be cleared for one of Manchester City’s primary transfer targets to arrive this summer. With both parties eager to seal a deal, the hope is that the hurdles can be cleared sooner rather than later.