Tottenham have made an out-of-the-blue £50million offer for West Ham United attacker Lucas Paqueta, according to a report from South America.
Widespread reports emerged on Monday suggesting that Paqueta has asked to leave Spurs‘ hated rivals – and next opponents – West Ham this window.
Tottenham were strongly linked with Paqueta in the summer, but nothing came of that speculation as he remained at the London Stadium.
It was claimed at the time that Spurs could land Paqueta for as little as £40m, but it is now apparent that will not be the case.
Lucas Paqueta turns down Tottenham advances
Paqueta has been a hit-and-miss player for West Ham over the past few seasons, but they clearly do not intend to sell below value.
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According to UOL journalist Rodrigo Mattos via X on Monday evening – a reporter with more than 121,000 followers and considered reliable – Spurs tabled a £50m offer for Paqueta.
However, the Brazilian has made clear that he does not want to join Tottenham.
Indeed, it has been widely reported elsewhere that Flamengo are the team Paqueta wants to join as he wants to return home.
Mattos adds that talks were planned between Flamengo and West Ham on Monday, where it is hoped a solution to the transfer saga can be reached.
Paqueta arrival would spell obvious end for one player
This report makes it clear that Tottenham are not going to sign Paqueta this month. Many will question why as much as £50m was offered in the first place.
If this interest was legitimate, however, it adds weight to the reports that Mathys Tel is looking to leave Tottenham this month.
Tel plays mainly as a central attacker and is also capable of being used on the left. Paqueta, by comparison, is a central attacking midfielder who can also play out wide.
It is abundantly clear that Tel is not suited to play for Tottenham, but that is not to say Paqueta is the right option to bring in.
There has to be a happy medium, and hopefully this £50m is now better spent elsewhere before the window closes in three weeks’ time.