Club prepared to include striker in player-plus-cash deal for West Ham star Paquetá – report
Botafogo may propose Igor Jesus in a bid to secure Lucas Paquetá, reports The Sun on Sunday.
The Newspaper (15 December, p. 53) reported that a Brazilian club might include their “exciting” striker in a potential deal for a 27-year-old player, previously linked to the London Stadium.
West Ham are in search of a new striker to cover for Michail Antonio, who is sidelined due to injury.
A swap deal could be appealing, but complications arise as the Brazil international reportedly prefers a return to Flamengo.
This would leave West Ham needing both a replacement for the player and an additional striker.
The Hammers could potentially strike a swap deal involving Lucas Paquetá, who has struggled for form this season.
The attacking midfielder has frequently been used as a substitute under Julen Lopetegui, with Carlos Soler often starting ahead of him.
Paquetá’s diminished role might prompt him to seek a move during the January transfer window.
While losing a player of Paquetá’s quality would be disappointing, a swap deal could be beneficial.
If the former Lyon star desires a move away from East London, the inclusion of Igor Jesus in the deal could address a long-standing problem for West Ham.
Filling the striker position has been a persistent challenge for the club.
Despite the addition of Germany international Niclas Füllkrug, the team still lacks a consistent goal-scorer.
It is uncertain whether Paquetá would be open to facilitating the swap deal, but West Ham may explore ways to encourage such a move.
