Lucas Paqueta to leave West Ham’ as ‘crazy’ £40m transfer development emerges

Lucas Paqueta has had a difficult season at West Ham and, as a result, could target an exit in the summer.

The Brazil international has been far from his best this campaign as the Hammers have struggled to hit a positive run of form under Graham Potter.

The English head coach has failed to get the best out of the attacking midfielder, who doesn’t truly suit his five at the back set-up at the London Stadium.

With the summer transfer window fast approaching, an exit could be on the cards in a move that could benefit all parties.

West Ham could replace Paqueta with Chris Rigg

The Irons have had a difficult campaign after making wholesale changes under Julen Lopetegui and Tim Steidten before the season kicked off.

There was plenty of excitement with the deals for the likes of Crysencio Summerville and Niclas Fullkrug, with neither necessarily being successful.

There is every chance that this duo will step up next year, but in the meantime, the Hammers may need a big-name sale to fund incoming summer deals.

One name who continues to crop up in East London is Sunderland sensation Rigg who could prove to be an excellent addition.

Alan Nixon has reported (30 March) that the 17-year-old would cost up to £40million in the summer, a sum described as “crazy” by the journalist.

If Potter does look to bring the teenager in, it could prove to be the end of Paqueta’s run in claret and blue, so a sale could be likely.

Paqueta exit on the cards at West Ham

The England under-19 international has been one of the brightest talents in the EFL for the last two campaigns and could be set for a Premier League move.

Summerville and Jarrod Bowen are evidence that the Irons aren’t afraid to buy from the Championship and there aren’t much better than Rigg right now.