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 reluctant to accept. Flamengo’s initial €35m bid was rejected and they may raise it to around €40m, but they believe they could buy Paquetá more cheaply in the summer without agreeing to a loan.
Paquetá wants to return to Brazil after a difficult spell in England following spot-fixing allegations, which he was cleared of last year but which cost him a move to Manchester City. West Ham, seven points below safety, fear selling him now could worsen their relegation fight. Manager Nuno Espírito Santo admits the situation must be resolved quickly, as the club weighs financial needs against survival hopes.
