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| Lucas Paqueta of West Ham United is playing in the Premier League match against Newcastle United at St. James's Park in Newcastle, on March 30, 2024. |
Manchester City have reportedly agreed personal terms with West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paqueta ahead the summer transfer window.
Paqueta was heavily linked with a big-money move to the Etihad Stadium last summer as they prepared to cope without star playmaker Kevin De Bruyne for several months due to injury.
However, Paqueta's proposed switch to the Citizens failed to materialise as the Brazilian was the subject of a FIFA and Football Association investigation into suspicious betting activity.
Paqueta recently broke his silence on the investigation, which began seven months ago, saying that he is "happy to be helping as much as I can" and is thankful for the support received from West Ham.
During this period, the 26-year-old has been a standout performer on the pitch for David Moyes's side, contributing with eight goals and seven assists in 36 appearances across all competitions.
Man City step up Paqueta pursuit
Man City now appear to have reignited their pursuit of Paqueta as Football Mercato, via the Daily Mail, claims that the treble winners have reached an agreement with the midfielder over personal terms.
The report adds that the Citizens were previously on course to agree a £70m fee with West Ham, but that valuation is set to be revised considering Paqueta's impressive performances in domestic and European competitions this season.
Paqueta's future remains in limbo as things stand, though, as both Man City and West Ham are still waiting on the FA's verdict into the player's betting probe.
The Hammers will be keen to keep hold of Paqueta and are under no financial pressure to cash in on the Brazil international, who still has over three years remaining on his contract with the option of a 12-month extension.
Who could replace Paqueta at West Ham?
Man City's pursuit to Paqueta comes at a time when Kalvin Phillips is looking increasingly unlikely to return to the Etihad and be reintegrated into Pep Guardiola's first-team plans.
Phillips is currently on loan at West Ham, but he has failed to reach the heights expected and there have been reports suggesting that the Hammers will opt against signing the midfielder on a permanent basis this summer.
The England international would not be considered a like-for-like replacement for Paqueta, though, should the latter leave the London Stadium this summer, so Moyes and co will be required to delve into the transfer market for more attack-minded alternatives.
West Ham have recently been linked with a potential move for Arsenal's Emile Smith Rowe, with the Gunners believed to be considering the sale of the 23-year-old this summer.
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The Hammers have also been tipped to move for Nottingham Forest's Morgan Gibbs-White, while Borussia Dortmund's Marco Reus has allegedly been offered to the Premier League club.