Lucas Paqueta to leave West Ham! Aston Villa close in on £47m loan-to-buy deal to sign attacking midfielder

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Aston Villa are close to signing West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paqueta on an initial loan with an obligation to buy next summer.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Villa are on the brink of agreeing a £47 million (€54m/$63m) package for Paqueta which includes a loan fee and add-ons, according to Fabrizio Romano. The report also states the 28-year-old has accepted the proposed move to Villa Park and is now waiting for the green light to complete the switch.

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THE BIGGER PICTURE

Losing Paqueta would represent a significant blow for West Ham, whose manager Graham Potter has come under pressure with the club having lost their opening three games in all competitions. Meanwhile Villa - who are competing in the Europa League this season - are desperate to strengthen their squad before the transfer window closes on September 1 at 7pm BST for Premier League clubs. Unai Emery's side have been restricted in the summer transfer market due to UEFA’s squad cost rules (SCR).

DID YOU KNOW?

Brazil international Paqueta was cleared of spot-fixing charges by an independent regulatory commission in July, almost two years after the Football Association launched an investigation into him in August 2023. He has scored two goals in all competitions so far this season following his return to the pitch.

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WHAT NEXT FOR PAQUETA, VILLA AND WEST HAM?

Both sides are in action on Sunday as Villa host Crystal Palace on home soil, while West Ham travel to face Nottingham Forest. It remains to be seen whether Paqueta will feature for the Hammers against Nuno Espirito Santo's side.