Flamengo determined to sign Lucas Paqueta, club believes player can force West Ham exit | OneFootball

Flamengo have refused to throw in the towel in their relentless pursuit of West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paqueta.

According to TNT Sports, the Brazilian club believe their cause will be aided if Paqueta pushes for a West Ham exit, but they’ll wait until he returns to London before making their move.

Paqueta was part of the Brazil squad that crashed out at the quarter-final of the 2024 Copa America in the United States. The 26-year-old was a mainstay in Dorival Junior’s side, starting all four games.

He spurred the Selecao to the quarter-finals with a goal and an assist while creating two big chances. He also won 54% of his total duels.

Paqueta’s quality is undeniable, but the Brazilian is facing an uncertain future at West Ham after being charged by the Football Association (FA) for violating betting regulations.

The former AC Milan star has been accused of deliberately picking up yellow cards in four Premier League matches and faces a lengthy ban if found guilty.

West Ham must keep Paqueta despite charges

Paqueta has some serious spot-fixing allegations hanging over his head, but he has been a key player for us since joining the club in a £36 million deal from Olympique Lyon two years ago.

Reports claim the player will be available for most of the upcoming campaign, considering the outcome of his case could stretch into the back end of the 2024/25 season.

Paqueta has denied wrongdoing, and news of his availability will come as a huge boost to Julen Lopetegui, who would be looking to build his squad around the Brazilian playmaker.

He was crucial to David Moyes’s set-up last season, contributing eight goals and seven assists in 43 games.

He also created 12 big chances while averaging 1.4 key passes per 90 minutes and is set to remain an integral player under Lopetegui’s leadership.

West Ham have already ruled out a loan exit for the Brazilian, and they must stick to their guns despite Flamengo’s desperation to get a deal over the line.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com.