Aston Villa pounce on West Ham turmoil as details shared of official Lucas Paqueta bid
Aston Villa have made an opening bid for West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta, as they eye a late addition to Unai Emery’s midfield.
West Ham are demanding £60million for Paqueta, who has scored his team’s only goal of the Premier League season so far.
Morgan Rogers could still leave Villa this summer, with several teams interested in a late move for the PFA’s Young Player of the Season.
And Paqueta has been identified as Villa’s top-choice to replace the midfielder if he does go, with the Brazilian among several players keen to leave West Ham in the final days of the window.
Emery is keen to bolster his options in the middle of the park after Jacob Ramsey joined Newcastle United in a £40m deal.
West Ham reject initial Villa bid for Lucas Paqueta
Paqueta’s arrival could see John McGinn dropped, with the midfielder attracting criticism for his early-season performances.
Emery has been encouraged to change his system, with Rogers and McGinn currently occupying the wide positions for the Spaniard.
The lack of creativity out wide was evident when Villa lost 1-0 to Brentford, with the Villans failing to create any big chances despite dominating possession.
| Lucas Paqueta | Premier League 2024/25 (per 90) |
| Shot-creating actions | 2.89 |
| Progressive passes | 6.16 |
| Touches (Att pen) | 2.18 |
Paqueta could go some way to fixing that issue, but decision-makers at Villa Park have been knocked back after their initial bid.
Jacob Steinberg reported via X on 30 August that West Ham have rejected an offer that would have seen the Brazilian join Villa on loan with an obligation to buy next summer.
The Hammers do not want to sell Paqueta, but their response, if their valuation is met, remains to be seen.
- Read more: Three players Unai Emery must sell to ease PSR restrictions at Aston Villa including Matty Cash
Lucas Paqueta and Morgan Rogers could create devastating duo
Paqueta would likely be selected through the middle for Villa, if he is to sign, and the midfielder could pair well with Rogers.
Fans have called on the latter to be moved inside by Emery, but with Paqueta naturally drifting to the left anyway, the Brazilian’s introduction could solve two problems.
Rogers would also be afforded more space for Villa, and more encouragement to move across the pitch at will, with his new teammate filling in for him on the left.
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