Aston Villa are reportedly exploring a late move for West Ham United’s Lucas Paquetá as the transfer deadline approaches, according to the Daily Mail. Manager Unai Emery is keen to strengthen his midfield as the club targets a Champions League spot this season.
Despite West Ham’s disappointing start to the campaign, sources close to GIVEMESPORT suggest the Hammers could let Paquetá leave if they receive an appropriate offer before the September 1 deadline. A bid of around £60 million is believed to be enough to land the Brazilian playmaker.
Since joining from Lyon in 2022, Paquetá has been a standout performer for West Ham, contributing 19 goals and 14 assists in 122 games. Former boss David Moyes once labeled him “incredible,” and with recent betting allegations against him dismissed, the 27-year-old may be on the verge of a move.
Transfer insider Simon Jones reports that both Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur are monitoring Paquetá’s situation. Earning £150,000 per week, the midfielder is said to be open to leaving but is prioritizing a switch to a Champions League club. This preference could complicate Villa’s pursuit, as they can only offer Europa League football, unlike Spurs, who are competing in Europe’s top tournament.
Meanwhile, Villa remain active in other areas of the market. They are also tracking Chelsea forwards Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku. According to Fabrizio Romano, Villa have already held discussions with Jackson’s representatives, with Newcastle United also in the race. A decision on his future is expected soon.
Romano adds that Villa have inquired about Nkunku as well, though several clubs are chasing the French attacker. Chelsea, facing financial constraints, are open to selling both players permanently this summer.
If Villa manage to secure Paquetá, Jackson, or Nkunku before the window closes, it would mark just their third addition of the summer, following the arrivals of Evann Guessand and Yasin Ozcan. Financial regulations have limited their spending power, but Emery remains determined to add quality before the deadline.
Leave a Reply