Aston Villa Close to £47m Deal for Lucas Paqueta

Aston Villa are set to sign Lucas Paqueta from West Ham in a £47 million package, structured as a loan with an obligation to buy. The 28-year-old midfielder, cleared of past allegations earlier this summer, has agreed to the move despite West Ham’s reluctance. Paqueta has featured in every game this season.

For the second summer in a row, Lucas Paqueta finds himself at the center of transfer headlines, with Aston Villa reportedly agreeing a £47 million deal to sign the Brazilian midfielder from West Ham. The move, structured as an initial loan with an obligation to buy, is expected to be finalized before the transfer deadline. Paqueta, 28, is eager to join Unai Emery’s side despite West Ham’s reluctance to part ways with their playmaker.

The former Lyon and AC Milan star had been close to securing a big-money move to Manchester City two years ago, but the deal collapsed after he was investigated for alleged spot-fixing. Having been cleared of all charges earlier this summer, Paqueta has since played every minute of West Ham’s campaign in all competitions, demonstrating his importance under Graham Potter.

Despite the ongoing speculation, Paqueta traveled with his teammates to Nottingham for West Ham’s clash against Forest and was even named in the starting XI. His recent performance against Chelsea highlighted his value, recording 90 minutes, 54 passes, 73 touches, one goal, five tackles, and six duels won. Still, with the Brazilian pushing for a move, Villa look set to secure a significant midfield reinforcement.