“Sources close to the deal” – Sky Sports reporter drops interesting Man City and Paqueta update
One significant element, as revealed to GIVEMESPORT by Sky Sports writer Dharmesh Sheth, could lead Manchester City to rekindle their interest in Lucas Paqueta in the future.
Paqueta was about to join the Premier League champions when a deal fell through at the last minute due to alleged betting violations.
Manchester City transfer news – Lucas Paqueta
In less than two weeks, Paqueta went from being an unlikely target for City to agreeing on personal terms with the team, having an offer submitted to him, and the deal ultimately falling through.
The Daily Mail said that West Ham United and City had agreed to pay around £85 million to acquire the midfielder, but the deal collapsed when it became known that Paqueta was under investigation by the FA for betting violations.
The FA is continuing to look into allegations that certain yellow card offenses Paqueta made while playing for West Ham were the subject of unusual betting patterns, notwithstanding the fact that he maintains his innocence.
As a result, it has all but eliminated the possibility of Paqueta joining City this summer, while there are rumblings that a deal might be revived later on.
| Lucas Paqueta | Career Stats |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 234 |
| Goals | 41 |
| Assists | 29 |
| Yellow cards | 48 |
| Red cards | 3 |
What has Dharmesh Sheth said about Lucas Paqueta to Manchester City?
When asked about the most recent developments regarding Paqueta’s transfer to City, Sky Sports reporter Sheth acknowledged that the transaction would not take place this summer but suggested that City would consider it as a possibility in January.
Sheth said of the 25-year-old: “It appears to be off at this time. This one doesn’t seem to be going to happen.
“I’m sure Guardiola will have a backup plan. There was talk that a deal in principle for about £80 million between Manchester City and West Ham was agreed to last week, but West Ham was then informed that Paqueta may be the focus of an FA investigation regarding alleged betting violations. Thus, the transaction will not take place.
“Sources close to the deal though haven’t ruled out maybe City getting this deal back on the cards again in the January transfer window, but a lot of water will have to pass under the bridge before we even start to talk about that.”
What’s next for Manchester City this summer?
Since the Blues have already found their perfect signing, City have rapidly moved on to new targets as the window’s end draws nearer.
Wolverhampton Wanderers have already rejected one approach for Matheus Nunes, but the East Manchester team is still interested in the Portuguese international.
Despite personal conditions having already been agreed upon between City and the player, it is said that Wolves rejected a £47 million bid.
Eberechi Eze, a young English player, is reportedly also on the Premier League champions’ radar, though Crystal Palace is reportedly willing to demand up to £70 million for him.
