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 had an opening €35m bid rejected and may raise it to around €40m, but 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 an FA investigation that ended last year but derailed a move to Manchester City. West Ham, however, fear losing him during a relegation fight, sitting seven points below 17th place.
Manager Nuno Espírito Santo has urged a quick resolution, stressing Paquetá’s importance. Selling him would boost funds for defensive signings, but Flamengo’s reluctance threatens to delay any agreement.
