Lucas Paqueta appears all set to leave West Ham for good in the January transfer window.
Flamengo have wanted Paqueta for weeks and now appear all set to get their desired target.
West Ham and Flamengo have been locked in talks to agree on a fee for the 28-year-old as he wants to return to Brazil.
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Lucas Paqueta to sign a four-year deal at Flamengo
According to SBT Rio journalist Vene Casagrande, everything is fixed with regard to Paqueta’s move to Flamengo.
The Brazilian club sent an offer on Sunday morning, which is understood to be worth £35.7million.
That is understood to be the exact amount, and there will be no bonuses in the deal.
How many points would West Ham have taken from their last two games if Lucas Paqueta had been playing? 🤔
Maybe I’m harsh, but I just don’t think he suits this team anymore…
The Hammers are fine with that amount and discussions are now ongoing over the terms of the payment.
Rubro News journalist Julio Neto claims that Flamengo will offer £30.3million up front and two instalments of £2.7million each.
Paqueta will then sign a four-year contract at his new club, and his salary will make him the second-highest earner in the Brasileiro after Neymar.
The 28-year-old will follow the likes of Niclas Fullkrug and Luis Guilherme out the door at the London Stadium.
Will West Ham sign a replacement for Paqueta?
While Nuno Espirito Santo wanted to keep Paqueta until the end of the season, he knows that he is helpless in this situation.
The attacking midfielder wants to leave, and the Hammers are more than happy to cash in on his services.
It makes no sense to pay wages to a disgruntled player who does not appear keen to play another football game for the club.
West Ham appear set to sign Adama Traore from Fulham, who is most likely being signed as Paqueta’s replacement.
Nuno has worked with Traore during their Wolves days, so a reunion at the London Stadium makes a lot of sense.
He may not be a regular starter, but would offer a lot off the bench, and would be useful in West Ham’s fight against relegation.
Apart from him, it is unlikely that the Hammers sign another attacker or attacking midfielder as they need to bring in a new centre-back.
Given their horrid defensive record, investing big money in a defensive reinforcement is the need of the hour.
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