Manchester City Is Eyeing Lucas Paqueta As A Potential Replacement For Bernardo Silva
Manchester City is reportedly eyeing West Ham United’s Brazilian midfielder Lucas Paqueta as a potential addition to their already star-studded squad, especially if Bernardo Silva departs this summer. Last summer, City made an attempt to sign Paqueta but withdrew their interest when the Football Association (FA) began investigating potential breaches of betting rules involving the midfielder. The investigation, focusing on suspicious betting patterns of yellow cards, remains unresolved. Throughout the investigation, Paqueta has maintained his innocence, with his representatives confident that the truth will emerge and the matter will be resolved before the season concludes.
Despite the ongoing investigation, the 26-year-old remains highly regarded by Pep Guardiola. According to a report from The Telegraph, he is seen as a potential addition to City’s midfield should interest in Bernardo Silva intensify.
The report notes that Paqueta was valued at £80m when he was previously linked with a move to the Etihad Stadium.
The Brazilian international joined West Ham United for a fee exceeding £50m, suggesting the club could earn a substantial profit if they were to sell him at their asking price.
Paqueta still has three years left on his current contract at the London Stadium, with an option to extend for an additional year.
This season, he has featured in 27 games for West Ham, contributing five goals and six assists across all competitions.
Meanwhile, Silva, now 29 years old, has extended his contract for two full seasons at the start of the campaign.
However, the Portuguese international has attracted interest from several clubs, including Paris Saint-Germain, who are bracing to lose Kylian Mbappe in four months, along with teams in the Saudi Pro League that are actively seeking to recruit top European talent.
The departures of attacking talents Cole Palmer and Riyad Mahrez have highlighted the significance of retaining Silva’s services as the club commenced this season, although he has openly stated his intention to eventually return to Benfica during his career.
Silva has featured in 22 Premier League matches for the Citizens this season, tallying six goals and four assists already.
The defending champions currently sit in second place in the league standings after securing a 1-0 victory over Bournemouth earlier today, trailing league leaders Liverpool by just a single point.
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