Aston Villa Close to Major Lucas Paquetá Transfer

Aston Villa are in advanced talks to sign Lucas Paquetá from West Ham. The Brazilian midfielder is eager to join Unai Emery’s team. Talks are moving quickly as Aston Villa look for a creative player after a tough season start.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Aston Villa are working fast to get Lucas Paquetá, having serious talks with West Ham recently. The transfer might be worth up to £60 million, possibly as a loan with a future purchase and extra payments. Paquetá, a key player for West Ham since arriving from Lyon, wants to join Aston Villa. West Ham have placed a price tag between £45 million and £70 million on Lucas Paquetá, making the negotiations crucial for both parties.

Sources say he has agreed to personal terms. He sees Aston Villa as a club with big plans under Unai Emery. West Ham don’t want to lose an important player so late in the window, as Paquetá helped them win the Europa Conference League and stay in the Premier League last season.

WHY PAQUETÁ AND WHY NOW?

Villa want Paquetá because they started the Premier League poorly, not winning their first two games. They need more attacking ability. The team is near the bottom of the table, and Emery is under pressure to improve quickly. West Ham currently rank last in the Premier League after their dismal start, which has added pressure for both clubs as they seek to enhance their squads.

Paquetá is known for creativity, energy, and skill, but had a tough season at West Ham. He didn’t assist a Premier League goal in 64 straight matches. A two-year match-fixing investigation affected his form, but he was recently cleared of wrongdoing, which has led to him considering a change of scenery. This development has heightened interest from clubs like Aston Villa, who need a proven playmaker to compete in the league and Europe.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR VILLA AND WEST HAM?

The ongoing talks suggest a deal could happen soon, with Villa eager to add Paquetá before the transfer window closes. Villa’s next game is at home against mid-table Crystal Palace, and they need to move up from the relegation zone.

West Ham, dead last in the league, face Nottingham Forest next. They must plan to play without Paquetá if he leaves. For Paquetá, joining Aston Villa would be a new start and a chance to play an important role in Emery’s plans, as both clubs try to change their seasons before it’s too late.