Manchester City are right to play it safe over a move for a West Ham star

A new report indicates that Manchester City will not make a move for West Ham star Lucas Paqueta while he remains the subject of an ongoing betting investigation. The Brazilian international appears to be an ideal candidate to join Pep Guardiola’s squad. However, City’s approach to a potential deal for the West Ham star appears to be the right move for the world champions.

Mark Martson reported for Football TBR that Manchester City have indicated to Lucas Paqueta’s representatives that they will move on to other transfer targets, while the FA’s betting investigation into the West Ham star remains unresolved. It appears to be the only move City can make given the current situation surrounding Paqueta.

Manchester City would take the right approach with the move from signing Paqueta. this was reported by Fabrizio Romano that Paqueta has an £85m release clause in his current contract. That would represent a sizeable investment from Manchester City to sign the West Ham star.

It is too much of a risk to sanction a deal for the West Ham star, with the threat of a sanction potentially hanging over Paqueta’s head. Newcastle United found that out this season when new signing Sandro Tonali was hit with a hefty ban. The Italy international has missed most of this season, which has been a blow for Eddie Howe’s side. The world champions would not want to put themselves in a similar situation if they were to sign Paqueta.

There may, however, be an end to the betting investigation surrounding Lucas Paqueta. Damien Charles Lucas reported for Hammers News that the FA have a week to charge Paqueta or drop the case. Lucas relayed information from West Ham board member Sean Whetstone.

Based on all available information, City’s potential move for Lucas Paqueta remains in a holding pattern. Unless there is movement in the Paqueta betting investigation, then City are more likely to move on to other transfer targets. As a player, the West Ham star looks ideally suited to life at the Etihad. But as the FA’s investigation continues into Paqueta’s landing changes at the Etihad appear slim.

It would be a shame not to see Paqueta play under Pep Guardiola. But circumstances beyond the control of Paqueta and Manchester City dictate whether or not the champions move for the attacking midfielder.