West Ham have made an offer totalling €57m (£48m) for Lyon midfielder Lucas Paqueta, according to reports in the French media.
The Hammers’ opening bid of €40m (£34m) for the Brazilian international was rejected but it appears they are determined to sign the player before the transfer window shuts next week.
Paqueta has also been linked with the likes of Arsenal, Manchester City and Newcastle United this summer so fans on Twitter do feel the calibre of the player warrants the substantial transfer fee:
Levels above Maitland Niles
— West Ham & FPL News & Views (@FPL_Cockney) August 25, 2022
you won’t find a more complete player and of that calibre of Paqueta for that less than that price in this market
he’s a great player and it’s a fair price— Dinho (@whuDinh0) August 25, 2022
he’s exactly the quality of player we need if we wanna maintain European football and get far in it. Will fit perfectly in our team 👌
— Ben (@whubenbagged) August 25, 2022
Anyone that thinks we should be going for someone of less quality doesn’t want this club to succeed.
— Connor Burgess (@xConnorBurgess) August 25, 2022
Bargain
— Fred VanTweet (@tradingfred23) August 25, 2022
Good on GSBK & CO. putting money where the mouth is at last. Get it done!
— kelvin wheeler (@dodgeykelv) August 25, 2022
Next level signings like Paqueta cost next level fees. We will never reach that next level if we always look for the cheaper option.
— Dan Chapman (@Dan_Chapman2011) August 25, 2022
It is believed that West Ham’s proposal is worth around €42m (£35.5m) upfront (which is only marginally above their original offer), but it also includes another €15m (£12.7m) in performance-related add-ons.
Whether the structure of the deal will be deemed acceptable by Lyon, we shall have to wait and see, but the Irons are certainly showing their financial muscle by making an ambitious move for Paqueta.
