Manchester City has laid down a condition for pursuing a deal for West Ham star Lucas Paqueta ahead of the summer transfer window, as reported by TBR. The Premier League giants have informed the 26-year-old Brazilian international's agents about their requirement to proceed with the midfielder, a decision contingent on the resolution of his ongoing betting case with the Football Association (FA).
The possibility of Manchester City withdrawing from the chase for Paqueta looms if a verdict on his betting issue is not reached promptly. Last summer, when Manchester City missed out on signing Declan Rice, they swiftly turned their attention to Paqueta as a potential midfield solution.
However, the betting case involving the Brazilian led to Manchester City withdrawing from negotiations. Now, as speculation mounts about a potential move for Paqueta, Manchester City has reiterated their stance, indicating that they will only pursue a deal once the FA clears him of the betting allegations.
Paqueta, who is reportedly keen on leaving West Ham in the summer, may find his plans disrupted by the ongoing uncertainty surrounding his betting case. In the event of further delays from the FA, Paqueta's agents could explore legal options for compensation due to potential loss of earnings.
Should Manchester City opt out of their pursuit of Paqueta, it could open the door for other clubs to enter the race for his signature. Manchester United has reportedly shown interest and could match their local rivals financially. Additionally, other teams may also vie for Paqueta's services during the summer transfer window.
As an alternative to Paqueta, Manchester City is considering targeting Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze. Guardiola values players who can contribute significantly to the team's performance, and Eze's potential departure from Crystal Palace has piqued City's interest. Tottenham is also reportedly eyeing Eze, setting the stage for a potential bidding war for the talented midfielder's services.
