West Ham star Lucas Paqueta faces an uncertain future as Tottenham transfer links intensify
Tottenham have upped their ante in recent days and managed to bring in Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig this week. The Lilywhites were in the hunt to sign a new left-winger for quite some time after Heung-Min Son decided to head for pastures new earlier this month. And it is fair to say that the North London club has managed to bring in the best possible replacement in time for Thomas Frank.
Now, Spurs must focus on signing a new #10 before the transfer window shuts in a few days’ time. There is an urgent need to fill out that role following James Maddison’s untimely injury in a pre-season friendly this month. The England international ruptured his ACL midway through a game, ensuring that he would miss most parts of this season.
Thomas Frank has played Pape Matar Sarr in an advanced role in the first two games of the Premier League. And the Senegal international has done a brilliant job by playing an important role in helping Spurs win against Manchester City. However, Pape Sarr is not a natural #10, and the Danish tactician will face problems sooner or later if a new attacking midfielder is not brought in.
Tottenham keeping tabs on West Ham star Lucas Paqueta
Tottenham have identified West Ham United attacker Lucas Paqueta as James Maddison’s replacement for this season. The Brazil international has enjoyed a successful stint at the London Stadium, and he seems keen on a summer switch to N17. The Hammers are also willing to sell the 27-year-old, and have reduced his valuation from £80m to £40m as they look to cash-in on him.
Now, John Wenham also believes that Spurs will make a late move for Paqueta before the transfer window shuts. Speaking to Tottenham News, he said:
“I just wonder if Paqueta pops up on deadline day as someone that might suddenly become available, and I think he’d been extremely good signing as well.”
The Lilywhite Rose owner added,
“So he’s one to keep an eye on, I think, as the window closes either for Tottenham or somebody else, but I think he’s a good signing.”
Wenham believes that Lucas Paqueta might become available as we approach deadline day. The Lilywhite Rose owner adds that the Brazil international would be a major coup if Tottenham somehow manage to sign him from West Ham. But he adds that Spurs might have to fend off competition if they want to land the 27-year-old before the transfer window shuts.
It remains to be seen what the future holds for Paqueta. Despite Tottenham’s strong links to sign the player, there is a concern around N17 that West Ham will not do business with the Lilywhites for a second player in the same transfer window. The Hammers sold Mohammed Kudus to Spurs earlier last month, and the complications surrounding that deal mean that the two clubs were better off not getting into negotiations again for some time.
However, it goes without saying that bringing Lucas Paqueta to N17 would be a major coup. The Brazil international has immense talent and has shown his worth in the Premier League over the years. His ability to make an impact in the final third of the pitch is second to none, and he can easily become the deciding factor of a game.