Man City could sign West Ham attacker Lucas Paqueta for just £30m, despite being worth £80m two years ago. 

Pep Guardiola‘s side have seen major improvements in midfield this summer. They have signed Rayan Cherki from French side Lyon, and also Tijani Reijnders to help replace Kevin De Bruyne in midfield.

However, the Man City boss will see what Arsenal and Liverpool are doing in the summer transfer window, and will be keen to ensure that City keep their foot on the gas in the window, in order to start the season with the best squad possible.

One of Man City’s primary targets over the past couple of years was West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta, who almost joined the club for around £80m in 2023. However, the Brazilian stayed at West Ham, and has since had controversy regarding the ongoing FA hearing following his alleged suspicious betting activity.

But, according to Football Insider, West Ham are open to selling Paqueta this summer, and have set a price tag of just £30m for the midfielder. The report says that there has been significant interest from the Saudi Pro League, but City could re-ignite their interest.

Paqueta could help replace Grealish

Seeing as it looks like Jack Grealish will leave Man City this summer, Guardiola could be keen to bring in a replacement to make sure that he has plenty of squad depth behind his starting XI in case of injury next year.

Paqueta made 33 Premier League appearances for the Hammers last season, he scored four goals, and remains one of the best players in Graham Potter’s side.

City could spend the £30m to bring him in, and it would hardly put a dent in their transfer budget. It means that signing Paqueta would come without much risk, but it would come with a lot of upside, as on his day, Paqueta can be a game-changer.

His best season for West Ham came in the 2023/24 season when he scored eight goals, and provided seven assists in all competitions. If City were to get that level of production out of the 27-year-old, £30m would be a bargain.

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