West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paqueta has insisted he is “happy” at the London Stadium amid links with Manchester City.
Paqueta was on the verge of joining Man City last summer, before it emerged that he was under investigation for suspicious betting activity
Man City subsequently called off their pursuit and turned their focus to signing Matheus Nunes from Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Despite failing to sign Paqueta last year, Man City retain an interest in the Brazilian and is willing to renew their pursuit this summer, depending on the outcome of the FA’s investigation.
Man City are keen to recruit a new attacking midfielder, with uncertainty surrounding the future of Portugal international Bernardo Silva.
Paqueta currently has a contract with West Ham until the summer of 2027, with an option to extend by a further year.
Paqueta “happy” at West Ham
However, there is a belief that his deal contains a £85m release clause which is set to become active from June.
Despite the transfer rumours, Paqueta made it clear that he is “happy” at West Ham when asked about his future following Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Liverpool.
“I have to do my work here at West Ham,” Paqueta told ESPN. “I have an enormous respect for the club. I’m very happy here, and if I don’t say that, I’d be lying.
“Of course, there are a lot of things happening off the pitch but I am focused on doing my best and end the season on a high. I started well and intend on finishing [the season] well.
“What has been said about Man City is all stuff from the previous transfer window. Now it’s about finishing the season and to wait and see what will happen.”
Brazilian remains a key figure for the Hammers
After missing out on a move to the Etihad Stadium last summer, Paqueta has continued to be an important player in David Moyes‘s side throughout the 2023-24 campaign.
The Brazil international has made 40 appearances in all competitions, scoring eight goals and providing seven assists.
In total, Paqueta has registered 13 goals and 14 assists in 80 competitive matches since he joined the Hammers from Lyon in 2022.
Having started West Ham’s last 10 league games, Paqueta is expected to be involved when the Hammers take on London rivals Chelsea next weekend.
Having picked up 49 points from 35 matches, West Ham are sitting in eighth place and five points adrift of Manchester United in fifth position.
