Premier League club 'unlikely to resist' Man City offer for £80 million key player

It's not often that Manchester City miss out on signing a big transfer target but last summer, their pursuit of West Ham's Lucas Paquetá collapsed. Back in August, the Premier League champions had agreed a hefty £80 million deal in principle with their rivals for the Brazilian but it all fell through amid an alleged betting breach investigation.

Sources at the time reported that there was hope the move could still materialise in January but of course, nothing came to fruition there either. However, Football Insider has provided a new update, claiming that City are still tracking Paquetá ahead of a potential second summer swoop.

The report claims that Pep Guardiola and co remain 'keen' on agreeing a deal for the 26-year-old as West Ham are due to discover the outcome of the betting breach investigation soon. The Irons are 'unlikely to resist an offer' that meets their price tag set for Paquetá.

City were close to securing an £80 million deal last year so a similar figure could be on the cards if the league champions do choose to return with another bid. Paquetá is currently out injured with a calf issue and West Ham are yet to record a single win since his last appearance for them against Bristol City last month.

Since his arrival for a Hammers record £51 million in 2022, the Brazilian has turned a lot of heads with his standout performances. Paquetá is an attacking midfielder by trade but can operate on the left-wing and as a centre-forward as well when required.

The 26-year-old has contributed five goals and six assists across all competitions so far this season, just one assist shy of last campaign's overall tally.

If City come back with their impressive £80 million offer, West Ham will make an impressive profit on their star player, something they are definitely getting used to after Declan Rice's sensational £105 million transfer to Arsenal last summer.