In recent times, there have been strong links between Man City and the 25-year-old midfielder. It was rumored that a potential deal with West Ham was close to being finalized for a fee of approximately £80 million. Paqueta had even reportedly agreed on personal terms for a move to the Etihad Stadium. However, recent developments suggest that Man City, the treble winners, have chosen to step back from negotiations with West Ham. This decision seems to stem from an ongoing investigation by FIFA and the Football Association into betting activities related to the Brazil international.
This investigation was initiated due to a significant number of bets placed in Brazil on Paqueta receiving a yellow card during West Ham's 1-1 draw with Aston Villa in the Premier League back in March. The midfielder indeed received a booking in the 70th minute of that game. Consequently, Paqueta has been omitted from Fernando Diniz's 25-man Brazil squad in preparation for the World Cup qualifiers against Bolivia and Peru next month. The intention behind this decision is to allow him to "sort out his problems."
Despite these circumstances, Paqueta, who has firmly denied any wrongdoing, has continued to be a part of West Ham's starting lineup for their first two Premier League matches of the new season. Notably, he even scored a goal against Chelsea in a 3-1 victory at home.
While it appears that Paqueta is set to remain with West Ham this summer, sources have indicated to Sky Sports News that there is a possibility of the Brazilian midfielder making a move to Manchester City during the January transfer window.
Manchester City's interest in Paqueta has been longstanding, and they had previously contemplated pursuing the midfielder before he joined West Ham last summer from Lyon in a record £51 million deal.
Paqueta's contributions have been notable, with six goals and seven assists in 43 appearances across various competitions for West Ham. He played a pivotal role in the club's triumph in the Europa Conference League last season. Holding the No.10 jersey, he still has four years remaining on his contract at the London Stadium, and it's understood that he possesses a release clause of £85 million, which cannot be activated until the summer of 2024.
