David Moyes presided over his team’s three opening Premier League matches in which they won exactly zero points. It’s far too early to sound the alarms but the Scotsman knew already that West Ham could use a bit more quality. Would the Brazil national team star playmaker do? Oh yes!The Hammers lodged a $47 million offer for Lyon’s Lucas Paqueta, but the French club rejected it. Although the French club seems resigned to losing the former Milan player, they won’t let him go unless they receive a truly mammoth offer for the 24-year-old. The Hammers have not been deterred by their initial offer being refused, and it’s now believed that a deal worth in excess of $60 million is being discussed.##NAJAVA_MECA_6588164##Paqueta has previously been linked with a move to Arsenal and Newcastle United, where his good friend and former Lyon teammate Bruno Guimaraes seems happy. Paqueta has impressed for Lyon during his two seasons at the club, contributing 15 goals and assists in 32 Ligue 1 appearances during 2021/22, and has 33 international caps to his name for Brazil.The Rio de Janeiro-born star would not be completely opposed to the idea of joining West Ham since playing in a club outside the top 5 of the Premier League wouldn’t necessarily prevent him from starting for Brazil in the upcoming World Cup. There are many examples to back that up: Richarlison (Everton), Raphinha (Leeds) and Coutinho (Aston Villa) have recently played for their country even though they weren’t fighting for titles in England. But he knows that he could get better by joining a better team. Manchester City, for example, targeted Paqueta in case Bernardo Silva leaves. The next few days will be decisive for Paqueta but also for Lyon.West Ham’s offer for Lucas Paqueta has been rejected by Lyon 🚫pic.twitter.com/kzDmiyyOzQ— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 25, 2022 The Brazilian’s arrival could add some much-needed goalscoring firepower to West Ham’s midfield arsenal, with the club’s only goals this season coming in the Europa Conference League play-off first leg tie against Viborg FF.Paqueta should be in action for Lyon against Reims on Sunday, provided he does not seal a Premier League move by then. In contrast to West Ham’s form this season so far, his side have won each of their opening two Ligue 1 games.
