Manchester City Eyes Lucas Paqueta Amid FA Probe: Summer Transfer Saga Unfolds

Manchester City could take advantage of Lucas Paqueta desire to leave West Ham this summer if the Football Association concludes its investigation into alleged betting breaches by the midfielder before the transfer window closes. Paqueta who reportedly has an £85m release clause set to activate in June seeks a new challenge after two seasons at West Ham. Last summer, a potential move to City was thwarted by the FA inquiry into suspicious betting activity but Pep Guardiola remains interested in the Brazilian playmaker.

Despite Paqueta denial of wrongdoing and his cooperation with investigators, the FA has not disclosed a timeline for resolving the case. City may have vacancies in midfield, with uncertainty surrounding the futures of Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva both linked to other clubs. Paqueta versatility, creativity and recent return to the Brazil squad make him an attractive option for Guardiola.

Meanwhile, West Ham faces challenges including squad depth issues exposed in their Europa League defeat to Bayer Leverkusen and uncertainty over manager David Moyes’ contract renewal. Despite their current seventh-place position in the Premier League, West Ham lack of January signings and player departures have raised concerns about their European aspirations and Moyes’ managerial future.