West Ham United are willing to sell Lucas Paquetá this month only if the deal includes a loan back until season’s end, a condition Flamengo are reluctant to accept. Flamengo’s initial €35m bid was rejected and could rise to €40m, but they believe they can wait and buy him more cheaply in the summer.
Paquetá wants to return to Brazil after a difficult spell in England following a spot-fixing investigation that derailed a move to Manchester City. Although cleared, his form has dipped and he recently asked to be left out of an FA Cup tie. West Ham, battling relegation, fear losing him now could worsen their situation. Manager Nuno Espírito Santo has urged a quick resolution as the club weighs finances against survival hopes.
