Manchester City want Lucas Paqueta as Bernardo Silva replacement?.
Manchester City are apparently looking at West Ham United’s Brazilian midfielder Lucas Paqueta as a possible addition to their already star-studded roster if Bernardo Silva left this summer.
City, who won the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, and FA Cup last season, attempted to recruit Paqueta last summer but dropped their interest when the Football Association (FA) launched an investigation into alleged betting rule violations involving the midfielder.
The probe is considered to be focused on strange yellow card betting patterns and has yet to be resolved.
Since the investigation began, Paqueta has maintained his innocence, and his representatives are sure that the truth will be exposed and the matter handled before the end of the season.
Despite the current inquiry, the 26-year-old remains a player adored by Pep Guardiola, and according to The Telegraph, he is considered a potential addition to City’s midfield if interest in Bernardo Silva grows.
According to the source, Paqueta was valued at £80 million when he was linked with a move to Etihad Stadium last season.
The Brazil international joined The Hammers for more than £50 million, and the club stands to make a huge profit if their asking price is met.
Pacqueta has three years remaining on his current contract at the London Stadium, with the option to extend it by another year.
This season, he has made 27 appearances for West Ham, scoring five goals and providing six assists in all competitions.
Meanwhile, Silva, at 29, has two full seasons remaining on his contract, which he extended at the start of the season.
However, the Portuguese international has been linked to numerous clubs, including Paris Saint-Germain, who are due to lose Kylian Mbappe in four months, and Saudi Pro League teams looking to sign Europe’s finest players.
The exits of attacking players Cole Palmer and Riyad Mahrez highlighted the necessity of keeping Silva as the team began the season, despite his avowed desire to return to Benfica at some point in his career.
Silva has made 22 Premier League appearances for the Citizens this season, scoring six goals and providing four assists.
The defending champions are now in second place in the league rankings after a 1-0 victory over Bournemouth earlier today, behind league leaders Liverpool by one point.
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