West Ham United are willing to sell Lucas Paquetá this month only if the transfer includes a loan back for the rest of the season, a condition resisted by Flamengo. The Brazilian club have had a €35m bid rejected and may raise their offer to €40m, but believe they could sign Paquetá more cheaply in the summer without a loan arrangement.
Paquetá wants to return to Brazil after a difficult spell in England following spot-fixing allegations, which he was cleared of last year but which cost him a move to Manchester City. West Ham, struggling near the relegation zone, fear losing him could worsen their fight for survival.
Manager Nuno Espírito Santo has urged a swift resolution, stressing Paquetá remains one of the club’s best players. Selling him would free funds for defensive reinforcements, but Flamengo’s reluctance to agree a loan-back clause leaves the deal uncertain as talks continue.
