Reports say Manchester City is back on the hunt for West Ham United playmaker Lucas Paketa.
The West Ham midfielder was exempt from violating the Football Association betting rules this week, sparking new reports of a possible summer transfer.
Paqueta was charged with violating FA Rule E5.1 in May 2024 and accused of intentionally receiving reservations in matches against Leicester City (November 12, 2022), Aston Villa (March 12, 2023), Leeds United (May 21, 2023), and AFC Bournemouth (August 12, 2023).
After a lengthy investigation, the regulatory board discovered that the charges were “unproven” and lifted the threat of a potential career ban.
“From the first day of this investigation, I have maintained my innocence against these very serious accusations,” the 27-year-old said.
“I can’t say anything more at this point, but I want to express how grateful I am to God and how enthusiastic I am to play football with a smile on my face.
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West Ham also said the player was “happily” to be cleared and emphasized the “incredible pressure” he was in.
“We are delighted that Lucas has been cleared,” said West Ham United vice-chairman Karen Brady. “He maintained his innocence from the start, and as a club we stood firm by his side and supported him throughout the process.
“Despite the incredible pressure on him, Lucas has always been giving it all, playing a week a week for the club. It’s been a difficult time for Lucas and his family, but he’s absolutely professional throughout and looking forward to drawing the line under this episode, as everyone at West Ham United does.”
However, it is possible that Paketa played his last Premier League game for the Hammer.
It was reported last month that Brazilian International could be available for just £25 million before he was exempt from his bet.
Signed from Lyon in August 2022 for around £35 million, Paketa has made 120 appearances for the club, scoring 18 goals and providing 14 assists.
He was on the radar in Manchester City for a long time. In the summer of 2023, Pep Guardiola’s side reportedly rejected a £700 million bid by West Ham.
While the improved offers for the FA investigation never arrived, Football Insider now reports that the city is ready to rekindle their interest following the conclusion of the incident.
The outlet claims that the city is “preparing for a new move,” and Paketa is now back on the “radar.”
That’s really everything she wrote, but we have more West Ham forwarding news for you. You are lucky, lucky sod.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the Premier League club has submitted a bid for Botafogo’s goalkeeper John Victor, 29, who was impressed by the Club World Cup this summer.
Romano reports that West Ham’s offer is worth 8 million euros (£6.9 million), and that Everton and Galatasaray are also interested in Manchester United, where they had previously been monitored.
An Italian journalist wrote to X: “Exclusion: West Ham will submit a formal bid worth 8 million euros to Botafogo’s Brazilian goalkeeper John Victor. Galatasarei and Everton are also enthusiastic about John Victor after Man United has monitored him in recent months.”
The 6-foot-5-inch goalkeeper has been on a contract until 2028, making 84 appearances for Botafogo and maintaining 36 clean sheets.
New West Ham boss Graham Potter is clearly in the new “keeper’s market” after losing Lucas Fabianski following the expiration of his contract. The new signature competes with No.1 shirt Alphonse Adeola.
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