Manchester City want Lucas Paqueta as Bernardo Silva replacement?

Manchester City are reportedly targeting West Ham United’s Lucas Paqueta as a potential addition to their already star-studded squad if Bernardo Silva leaves this summer.

Manchester City are reportedly targeting West Ham United’s Brazilian midfielder Lucas Paqueta as a potential addition to their already star-studded squad if Bernardo Silva leaves this summer.
City, who clinched the Premier League, UEFA Champions League and the FA Cup last season, made an attempt to sign Paqueta last summer but withdrew their interest when the Football Association (FA) initiated an investigation into potential breaches of betting rules involving the midfielder.

The investigation is believed to be centred around suspicious betting patterns of yellow cards and is a matter that remains unresolved.

Since the commencement of the investigation, Paqueta has consistently asserted his innocence, and his representatives are confident that the truth will be revealed and the matter resolved before the end of the season.

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Despite the ongoing investigation, the 26-year-old remains a player admired by Pep Guardiola, and according to a report from The Telegraph, he is viewed as a potential addition to City’s midfield should interest in Bernardo Silva escalate.

The report adds that Paqueta was valued at £80m when he was linked with a move to the Etihad Stadium last season.

The Brazil international joined The Hammers for a fee north of £50m, and the club would, therefore, stand to make a significant profit on him should they receive their asking price.

Pacqueta still has three years remaining on his current contract at the London Stadium and an option to extend his deal by a further year.

This season, he has made 27 appearances for West Ham, during which he has scored five goals and provided six assists across all competitions.

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Meanwhile, Silva, now 29 years of age, has two full seasons remaining on his contract after he extended his terms at the beginning of the campaign.

However, the Portuguese international has been on the shortlist of several clubs, including Paris Saint-Germain, who are set to lose Kylian Mbappe in four months, as well as Saudi Pro League teams that continue to look to sign Europe’s top players.

The departures of attacking stars Cole Palmer and Riyad Mahrez underscored the importance of retaining Silva’s services as the club entered this season, though he has openly expressed his desire to return to Benfica at some point in his career.

Silva has made 22 appearances for the Citizens in the Premier League this season and has already notched up six goals and four assists.

The defending champions are currently in second place in the league standings following a 1-0 win over Bournemouth earlier today and now trail league leaders Liverpool by a single point.

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