A major update on the ongoing efforts of the powers that be at Premier League champions Manchester City to add to the club’s ranks in the middle of the park has been provided on Friday.
And the news will no doubt come as a source of concern for all associated with the Sky Blues.
This comes amid confirmation that City’s swoop for West Ham United standout Lucas Paqueta has hit a roadblock.
In fact, as per a report from transfer expert Fabrizio Romano:
‘Lucas Paquetá deal, now on the verge of collapsing.’
Amid suggestions that West Ham’s hefty demands have not been met, negotiations between the two clubs have been called off for the time being.
Lucas Paquetá deal, now on the verge of collapsing. 🚨🔵⛔️🇧🇷 #MCFC
Negotiations currently off between Manchester City and West Ham. pic.twitter.com/uE8LAzGGEc
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 18, 2023
This comes after word was forthcoming that the former AC Milan talent had been identified as a chief target on the part of Pep Guardiola and co.
The injury suffered by Kevin De Bruyne last weekend – expected to keep the Belgian sidelined for three to four months – in turn only intensified the efforts of the City brass to bring Paqueta in.
Unless an improved offer is forthcoming over the course of the weeks ahead, though, it looks likely that the 25-year-old will spend the season ahead lining out in the colours of David Moyes’ West Ham.
*Update* – Further claims have begun to surface that it is Manchester City who have pulled the plug on discussions for Paqueta, amid an FA investigation into potential betting breaches on the part of the midfielder.
