Is signing a Brazilian international a risk worth taking for Manchester City? | OneFootball

Manchester City has once again been linked with a summer move for Lucas Paqueta. But is a move for the Brazilian international a risk worth taking this summer for the world champions? It’s an interesting question, while Paqueta is the subject of an ongoing betting investigation.

New information from transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, which was relayed by Mark Brus for caughtoffside.com, indicates that Lucas Paqueta is high on City’s list of targets this summer. Speaking with caughtoffside.com, Romano said: “Lucas Paqueta to Manchester City could remain a story to watch, as some fans have been asking me again about links with the West Ham United midfielder. I have no idea of the betting stuff and of the legal situation surrounding the player. But in terms of the transfer market, Paqueta remains high on Man City’s list for the summer. The player would also be keen on the move, and City keep considering him one of the perfect players for Pep Guardiola’s project. But again, we have to see what happens with that issue before understanding Paqueta’s future.”

A potential Manchester City move for Lucas Paqueta doesn’t seem to be a risk worth taking while the betting investigation remains ongoing.

There is no doubt as a player, Lucas Paqueta, has the quality to fit into Pep Guardiola’s squad. That has never been in question since Manchester City’s interest in the midfielder surfaced last summer. That isn’t in question. However, the betting investigation into the Brazilian international is the elephant in the room.

It doesn’t seem that a move for Lucas Paqueta would make sense, while the Brazilian is subject to an ongoing betting investigation. While he would fit into City’s squad, it appears to be a big risk for City to move for Paqueta while his future remains uncertain. The consequences of being found guilty of betting offences are severe.

It has to be said that it is unknown at this stage if Paqueta is guilty of or will be found guilty of any offence. There has been no indication from the FA on the progress of the ongoing investigation. But, for the sake of argument, if he was and Manchester City had signed the midfielder, the prospect of City losing an expensive signing for a large period of time looms large. Is that a risk for worth taking for the world champions? Only time will tell. But the champions are generally very thorough with their transfer business. If there is a risk involved with a potential signing, it is highly likely they will move onto other targets.

Only time will tell if Manchester City does move for the Brazilian international.

Only time will tell if Manchester City so move for Lucas Paqueta. It appears unlikely that they will, while his future remains uncertain. It isn’t in Manchester City’s model to take risks with potential signings. That outlook will likely see Manchester City not take a risk in signing the Brazilian midfielder. While he is a supremely talented player, the situation surrounding Paqueta is one that is dictating any future move by any club, including Manchester City, for the midfielder.