West Ham Reluctant to Sell Lucas Paqueta Amid Transfer Interest

Lucas Paqueta has emerged as a key player for West Ham United this season, having participated in 18 league matches.

The club is currently resistant to the idea of selling Paqueta this month, despite interest from multiple Brazilian teams, including Flamengo, as reported by sources to BBC Sport.

The midfielder appears to be open to a return to South America and discussions regarding a possible move back to Brazil are reportedly in progress.

With 18 months remaining on his contract at the London Stadium, Paqueta is anticipated to depart from West Ham either in the current transfer window or during the summer market.

Nonetheless, the Hammers are currently unwilling to let go of a player they regard as an integral part of the squad.

So far this season, Paqueta has made 18 appearances in the Premier League, contributing four goals and one assist.

Club sources emphasize that no formal offers for Paqueta have been submitted this month.

Any consideration of an offer will depend on the bid’s value; however, given Paqueta’s crucial role in manager Nuno Espirito Santo’s strategy to avoid relegation, a substantial offer would be necessary for the club to reconsider their position.

It is understood that Flamengo is prepared to submit an offer in the vicinity of £35 million for Paqueta.

In December, Nuno Espirito Santo noted that Paqueta is still feeling the effects of an investigation into spot-fixing allegations against him.

The Football Association initiated an investigation in August 2023, leading to charges filed against the Brazilian in May 2024 for allegedly receiving a caution deliberately to manipulate the betting market. He was subsequently cleared by an independent regulatory commission in July 2025.

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