LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 27: A general view inside the stadium as Neal Maupay of Brighton & Hove Albion scores their team's first goal during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Brighton & Hove Albion at London Stadium on December 27, 2020 in London, England. The match will be played without fans, behind closed doors as a Covid-19 precaution. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Journalist Dean Jones of GIVEMESPORT has learned that Manchester City is considering RB Leipzig midfielder Dani Olmo as a possible replacement for Lucas Paqueta of West Ham.
The Premier League winners may consider the 26-year-old, who has been linked to a summer transfer out of the Bundesliga.
Paqueta, Pep Guardiola’s former summer transfer target, now has an uncertain future in England after the FA accused the West Ham player of breaking betting regulations.
The Brazilian playmaker declared he will “fight to clear his name” after refuting the accusations.
Due to Paquetá’s circumstances, City might search for other midfield options, such as Bruno Guimarães and Olmo from Newcastle.
The Spaniard, who joined Leipzig in 2020 and helped the team win two German Cups, had previously been linked to the Cityzens.
“A while back, City was linked to Olmo, which didn’t really make sense because, at least in my opinion, it was very obvious that Bruno Guimaraes and Lucas Paqueta were their primary midfield objectives.
“The Paqueta scenario has undoubtedly changed, and I am now beginning to view the Olmo issue differently. It appears to me that Olmo has likely been scouted as a potential Paqueta substitute.
“City has been tracking Olmo, and there have been some encouraging rumblings regarding the pursuit. We will soon ascertain whether they plan to pursue it, as he is undoubtedly reachable during the summer window.
