£80m-star 'very happy' at West Ham despite Manchester City interest

The West Ham and Brazilian midfielder Lucas Paqueta has opened up on the transfer speculation surrounding him. The 26-year-old who featured in the Irons 2-2 draw to Liverpool at the London Stadium, has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester City and it was widely speculated that Paqueta was set to sign for the Etihad side last summer but the big-money move broke down due to an investigation into alleged betting breaches.

Nearly a year on and while the investigation has not yet concluded, Pep Guardiola’s interest in the star has reportedly remained. City ended up opting to sign the ex-Wolves star Matheus Nunes but with Bernado Silva’s future in Manchester currently unclear amid talk he wishes to move to Barcelona, the Spanish manager could well be back in the market for yet another attacking midfielder.

Speaking to ESPN, Paqueta has opened up on the potential situation and, despite the continuing interest, insists he is still very happy in Stratford.

"I have to do my job here at West Ham”, Paqueta said. “I have enormous respect for the club. I'm very happy here, if I say I'm not, I'd be lying. Of course it involves a lot of things that are happening off the field, but I remain focused on doing my best, finishing the season well. I started well, I hope to finish well. What they say (about Manchester City) is everything from last window. Now, it's time to finish the season and wait for what will happen.”

One way or another, Paqueta is set to have a busy summer as he bids to form part of Brazil’s Copa America 2024 squad. The Brazilian international - who has 44 caps for his nation - started his career with Flamengo in 2016 before heading to Serie A’s AC Milan in 2019 and Ligue 1 side Lyon in 2022.

After his second season in France, in which he was elected the best foreign player of Ligue 1 by a popular vote supported by more than 20,000 people, Paqueta headed to London for a club record fee. He signed a five-year contract and the BBC estimated the his fee to be more than £50m with additional add-ons.

Last year, it was suggested Guardiola’s side would pay £80m for the attacking midfielder and winger and his performances this season have done little to suggest the fee this summer would be any less.