West Ham United transfer news: Lucas Paqueta agrees six-year deal with Manchester City after talks with Pep Guardiola

Lucas Paqueta has agreed a six-year deal to join Manchester City from West Ham after speaking to Pep Guardiola, according to Mohamed Bouhafsi.

Writing on his personal Twitter account (11 August), the former RMC Sport journalist reports that the Brazilian midfielder has held talks with the City boss about a move and agreed personal terms.

David Moyes has confirmed that the treble winners have made a formal bid for Paqueta but said it was nowhere near what West Ham want for him, with Bouhafis claiming that the bid was for €85m (£73m) plus €10m (£8.6m) in add-ons, but the Hammers want €110m (£94.9m) without bonuses to let him go.

“Lucas Paqueta has agreed to a 6-year contract with Manchester City,” he wrote. “He spoke with Pep Guardiola.

“Man City made an offer of 85 million + 10 in bonuses. West Ham want 110 million without bonuses.

“Ongoing negotiations but Man City are optimistic given the player’s willingness.”

When Paqueta joined the club it was one of the biggest statement signings we have made in a long time.

A top player coming from Europe for a big fee to improve the squad, and it immediately paid dividends when we won our first trophy in over 40 years with his performances in that cup run being influential.

But if he doesn’t want to be here anymore because a club that win trophies more regularly want him, then cash in and bring in people who actually want to be here.

We spent the best part of £50m to sign him last year, and we can almost double that with the current bid on the table which is likely to go up the next time they come to the table.

Sell him, use that money to bolster the squad in other areas too and lets go and win another trophy without him to show that he’s not bigger than this football club.

In other West Ham news, medical complete as club close in on another transfer.

SAD NEWS: Top Player who cost £40m reportedly has no interest in joining West Ham.

£40m player now doesn’t appear to be keen on joining West Ham

West Ham United are pushing on with new signings but could struggle to get one over the line from Arsenal.

The Hammers are said to be among the clubs keen on young forward Folarin Balogun. The USA international is free to leave Arsenal, with clubs in Europe and England keen.

Balogun enjoyed a fine season in France last season and Arsenal are now looking at bringing in close to £40m for him.

However, according to The Independent’s Miguel Delaney, Balogun is not too keen on a move to West Ham. Instead, he fancies a move away from the PL altogether.

Writing in his latest Reading the Game Newsletter, Delaney says Balogun wants out of the English top flight.

“Arsenal are meanwhile aiming to get an increasingly rare number-six once Folarin Balogun goes. West Ham United have also made a move for the striker, but he apparently wants to leave the Premier League,” Delaney writes.

Balogun is wanted in Italy by Inter Milan, while Monaco are also believed to be trying to push through a deal.

The Gunners, so far, have stuck to their guns in their valuation. However, there is a growing expectation that a deal will get done.

For West Ham, who are close to signing James Ward-Prowse and Harry Maguire, it looks like they’ll need to move on.

Plenty more out there for Hammers to go for

Folarin Balogun had a great season in Ligue 1, but that’s it really.

For Arsenal to be getting £40m for his is excellent business and really, it’s probably not a bad thing that he wants to move abroad.

West Ham would be taking a huge punt in spending such a figure on Balogun. He might, in fairness, go on to have a superb career long-term. But right now, he is a risk.

The Hammers, then, are best setting their focus on other targets.