West Ham United are ‘looking to get in fast’ and ‘complete’ a deal for Lyon attacking midfielder Lucas Paqueta, according to journalist Dean Jones.
The 24-year-old has been linked to the likes of Arsenal and Newcastle United throughout the summer, but it’s the Hammers who now appear to be in pole position for his signature.
What is the latest news involving Paqueta?
Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth has reported that West Ham have ‘made a bid’ worth €40 million (£33.7m) for Paqueta as they look to improve their creativity.
Sheth also revealed that the Brazil international's agents are already London and ‘want to conclude a deal’ before the transfer window slams shut on September 1.
Talks are said to be ongoing between West Ham and Lyon for Paqueta, who still has three years left to run on his existing £49,000-per-week contract at the Groupama Stadium.
David Moyes’ charges have been searching for a number 10 for most of the summer after Nikola Vlasic failed to replace the output of former loanee Jesse Lingard last season.
Vlasic is now on loan at Serie A outfit Torino, and West Ham will surely be hoping they can get this deal over the line following their disappointing start to the current campaign.
What has Jones said about Paqueta?
West Ham have also been credited with an interest in Club Brugge’s Hans Vanaken, but now appear to be prioritising a deal for Paqueta.
And Jones believes the east London outfit are looking to move quickly in order to snap the South American up before his other potential suitors have time to react.
He told GiveMeSport: “Paqueta has been looked at very seriously by Newcastle and loosely by Arsenal, but West Ham are looking to get in fast and complete the deal before either can react. Let’s see whether their plan works out.”
Would Paqueta be a good signing?
Paqueta has established himself as one of the most exciting attacking midfielders in European football, registering 35 goals and 22 assists in 189 appearances for AC Milan, Lyon and Flamengo.
As per FBref, the technically gifted star has also ranked in the 99th percentile for tackles, 95th for pressures, 92nd for progressive passes received, 90th for aerial duels won, 89th for clearances, 88th for total shots, and 84th for both progressive passes and completed dribbles amongst his positional peers over the last year.
Those figures indicate that Paqueta has the work ethic and quality to thrive under Moyes for West Ham, and he could be the signing they need to turn their poor form around at the London Stadium.