West Ham United are willing to sell Lucas Paquetá this month only if the deal includes a loan back for the rest of the season, a condition Flamengo are resisting. Flamengo have had a €35m bid rejected and may raise it to around €40m, but prefer to wait and buy Paquetá more cheaply in the summer.
Paquetá wants to return to Brazil after a difficult spell in England following a spot-fixing investigation that cost him a move to Manchester City. Although cleared, the episode affected his form and focus. West Ham, fighting relegation, fear losing him now could deepen their troubles.
Manager Nuno Espírito Santo admitted the situation must be resolved quickly, as Paquetá remains one of the club’s key players. Selling him would boost funds for defensive reinforcements, but Flamengo’s refusal to agree a loan-back clause leaves the deal uncertain.
