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    West Ham agree club-record £51million deal for Lyon’s Lucas Paqueta as David Moyes finally lands Brazil international

    WEST HAM have agreed a club-record £51million transfer for Lyon midfielder Lucas Paqueta.An initial £34million bid was rejected with the Ligue 1 club keen to focus on the structuring of the deal for the 24-year-old Brazilian international.
    West Ham have broken the bank to secure the signing of PaquetaCredit: Getty
    The Hammers then sent a second offer of £48m to the French outfit in a bid to get the move over the line.
    Now Sky Sports are reporting that the final fee which has been accepted is a whopping £51m.
    Manager David Moyes is keen to recruit reinforcements after a dreadful start to the season.
    West Ham currently sit bottom of the Premier League table having lost all three of their opening matches without scoring a goal.
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    They were beaten 2-0 by Manchester City, 1-0 by Nottingham Forest and then 2-0 by Brighton on Sunday.
    Paqueta would offer the Irons some more creativity in midfield – something they have been crying out for in recent weeks.
    He has scored 21 goals and provided 14 assists in 80 appearances for Lyon.
    The South American has also been capped 33 times by Brazil, netting seven times.
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    Paqueta is set to become West Ham’s eighth signing of the summer.
    They have already brought in Gianluca Scamacca, Maxwel Cornet, Flynn Downes, Alphonse Areola, Nayef Aguerd, Emerson Palmieri and Thilo Kehrer.
    It is not yet known whether Paqueta will be available for selection for West Ham’s clash away at Aston Villa on Sunday. More

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    West Ham ‘agree personal terms with Lucas Paqueta after late-night phone call’ as £48m transfer from Lyon edges closer

    WEST HAM have reportedly agreed personal terms with Lyon midfielder Lucas Paqueta as they move towards sealing a £48million transfer.The Hammers had an initial bid of £34m rejected for the 24-year-old Brazilian but increased that by £14m on Thursday.
    Paqueta looks set to join West Ham in the coming daysCredit: Getty
    And now, as Paqueta’s representatives look for a place for him to live in London, Fabrizio Romano is reporting that terms with the player have been finalised.
    Talks between the two clubs have not yet reached a resolution, although they did have positive discussions on Thursday night.
    Speaking on social media, Romano said: “West Ham have new round of talks scheduled today for Lucas Paqueta deal.
    “Personal terms agreed but difficult negotiation with OL yesterday – final late night call was positive.
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    “West Ham are trying their best to get it done. Talks are still ongoing.”
    Manager David Moyes is keen to recruit reinforcements after a dreadful start to the season.
    West Ham currently sit bottom of the Premier League table having lost all three of their opening matches without scoring a goal.
    They were beaten 2-0 by Manchester City, 1-0 by Nottingham Forest and then 2-0 by Brighton on Sunday.
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    Paqueta would offer the Irons some more creativity in midfield – something they have been crying out for in recent weeks.
    He has scored 21 goals and provided 14 assists in 80 appearances for Lyon.
    The South American has also been capped 33 times by Brazil, netting seven times.
    Paqueta would become West Ham’s eighth signing of the summer.
    They have already brought in Gianluca Scamacca, Maxwel Cornet, Flynn Downes, Alphonse Areola, Nayef Aguerd, Emerson Palmeiri and Thilo Kehrer More

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    Viborg 0 West Ham 3: David Moyes side breeze into Europa Conference League group stages after hammering win in Denmark

    GIANLUCA SCAMACCA is providing the answers to West Ham’s goalscoring woes as he helped fire them into the Europa Conference League group stages.The Italian striker – a £30.5m summer signing from Sassuolo – netted on his debut start for the Hammers in last week’s 3-1 play-off first leg victory over Viborg.
    Gianluca Scamacca opened the scoring for West Ham in DenmarkCredit: Getty
    The win was comfortable for West Ham in the end, beating their opponents 6-1 on aggregate, with Soucek among the scorersCredit: Getty
    And away in Denmark, he converted in the 22nd minute to make it two from two in a West Ham shirt – easing some of David Moyes’ early-season concerns.
    Moyes has so far been reluctant to throw Scamacca – one of seven buys this window – into a Prem starting XI given a lack of pre-season minutes.
    But the Scottish coach may be left with little choice if the forward’s red-hot form continues.
    The East London side are rock-bottom of the Premier League with no points and no goals from their opening three outings this campaign.
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    In Europe at least, scoring is the least of their worries as Said Benrahma and Tomas Soucek also got in on the act in the second half.
    West Ham will find out their group stage opponents in the draw on Friday afternoon.
    Moyes made six changes from the woeful 2-0 home defeat to Brighton on Sunday, but it remained a strong team with an eye on getting the job done.
    Angelo Ogbonna continued his recovery from a serious knee injury with another start, Aaron Cresswell returned from suspension and Thilo Kehrer kept his place in the side.
    Skipper Declan remained missing as he served the second of his two-match Euro ban, as did Vladimir Coufal after suffering a concussion against the Seagulls.
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    Latest capture Emerson Palmieri was ineligible for this trip, but Scamacca and Maxwel Cornet teamed up again after shining in the first leg.
    Despite the odd counter from the hosts – on their first Euro journey for 22 years – West Ham took control as Scamacca sent an early warning of his instinct for goal.
    Lucas Lund Pedersen’s attempt to play out from the back was intercepted by Soucek, only for the keeper to make a good recovery save from Scamacca’s first-time effort.
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    It did not take long for Pedersen to be beaten moments later however, Scamacca producing an ingenious flick into the roof of the net from Soucek’s low cross.
    Viborg briefly rallied. French shot-stopper Alphonse Areola made a terrific double save to deny both Jay-Roy Grot and Justin Lonwijk just before half-time.
    But a fine team goal by West Ham after the break killed any chance of an unlikely comeback.
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    Scamacca’s lay-off, Cornet’s volleyed pass and Benrahma’s cool finish into the bottom corner made it 2-0 on 51 minutes.
    And 12 minutes later, Soucek made it three by pouncing on Pedersen’s palmed save to initially stop Thilo Kehrer’s bullet header. More

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    West Ham bump up Lucas Paqueta transfer offer to £48MILLION including massive up front payment as Lyon hold firm

    WEST HAM have sent a WHOPPING comeback bid to Lyon for midfielder Lucas Paqueta.SunSport revealed that an initial £34million bid was rejected with the Ligue 1 club keen to focus on the structuring of the deal.
    West Ham have launched a comeback bid of £48m for PaquetaCredit: Rex
    So the Hammers have submitted a fresh offer to the French top flight side for the 24-year-old Brazilian international.
    L’Equipe report that the East London club’s new offer is £48m, with £35m up front and the rest add ons.
    Lyon have yet to respond but the two sides are “close” to an agreement.
    It is said that Paqueta’s representatives are in London looking for a place.
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    Hammers boss David Moyes is keen to bolster his midfield options before the September 1 deadline.
    David Moyes’ team are yet to register a point on the board afterthree Prem games, and they’re yet to score a goal.
    Paqueta may be the creative player that Moyes is looking for.
    He joined Lyon in 2020 and has racked up 18 goals in 67 Ligue 1 matches.
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    On the international stage, he has seven in 33 and looks set to be part of Brazil’s World Cup squad in Qatar later this year.
    Paqueta will add to West Ham’s summer signings Gianluca Scamacca, Maxwel Cornet, Flynn Downes, Alphonse Areola, Nayef Aguerd, Emerson Palmeiri and Thilo Kehrer this transfer window. More

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    West Ham’s £34m Lucas Paqueta transfer bid rejected by Lyon as French side demand more money up front for playmaker

    WEST HAM have reportedly seen a £34million bid rejected for Lyon talisman Lucas Paqueta with the French club keen to focus on the structuring of the deal.Hammers boss David Moyes is keen to bolster his midfield options before the September 1 deadline.
    West Ham have seen a bid be turned down by Lyon for PaquetaCredit: Rex
    The East London club have no points on the board in the Premier League after three games, and they’re yet to score a goal.
    And so focus has turned to signing a creative player, drawing West Ham to Lyon’s Paqueta.
    A bid worth £34m was tabled on Wednesday for the 24-year-old Brazil star.
    However, according to Sky Sports’ Dharmesh Sheth, that bid has been rejected and the Hammers are expected to return with an improved offer.
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    The talks are primarily “centred around [the] structure of the deal”, the journalist tweeted.
    That could suggest Lyon are keen to be offered more money up front, or more attainable bonuses… or both.
    Moyes would’ve got to see the player live in the flesh last season.
    West Ham took on Lyon in the quarter-finals of the Europa League.
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    The East London club ran out 4-1 winners over two legs.
    West Ham are keen on a number of other midfielders.
    Arsenal’s Ainsley Maitland-Niles is of interest, and could be picked up for a small fee with the player now in the final year of his contract.
    Chelsea star Conor Gallagher is also being tracked by the Hammers.
    Whether the Blues would part with the academy product on a loan or permanent deal is yet to be seen.
    Club Brugge’s Hans Vanaken has seen an approach by West Ham be turned down by the Belgium side.
    However, the player has publicly expressed his desire to try a new challenge aged 29.
    Vanaken said at the weekend: “Clearly there is interest, enough has been written about it.
    “New talks tomorrow and we’ll see where it ends. I think it could be my last chance and I want to do it.” More

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    Arsenal ‘offer West Ham chance to sign Ainsley Maitland-Niles’ as they look to offload midfielder in transfer window

    ARSENAL have offered West Ham the chance to snap up utility man Ainsley Maitland-Niles.The Gunners youth product has only one year left on his contract, so the club are keen to cash in while they still can.
    Ainsley Maitland-Niles is all smiles but could be ready to head for Arsenal exitCredit: Getty
    The 24-year-old has been used at both wing-back and in midfield but Arsenal are now keen to move on him.
    Maitland-Niles has struggled to nail down a first-team spot at the Emirates since making his debut in 2014, aged just 17.
    He also has five caps for England, but none since 2020.
    And has already been farmed out on loan to Ipswich, West Brom and Roma as he toiled to grab a starting place at the Gunners.
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    However, the Hammers have their eye on other midfield targets, such as Club Brugge ace Hans Vanaken.
    They are also keen on Chelsea and England star Conor Gallagher.

    But they face a battle with Everton to land Gallagher, who was on loan at Crystal Palace last season.
    West Ham boss David Moyes is likely to first see how those other deals progress before turning his attention to Maitland-Niles.
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    The club are also eyeing up an ambitious swoop for Lyon and Brazil striker Lucas Paqueta.
    Struggling Hammers are currently bottom of the table with no points from three games, so Moyes needs to act fast. More

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    West Ham ‘launch £34m Lucas Paqueta transfer bid and in advanced talks with Lyon over shock move for playmaker’

    WEST HAM have launched a stunning £34million transfer bid for Lucas Paqueta, according to reports.The Lyon star was linked with a move to Arsenal earlier in the transfer, with chief Edu even admitting his admiration for the playmaker.
    West Ham have launched a bid for Lyon and Brazil laymaker Lucas PaquetaCredit: Getty
    Paqueta, who turns 25 this week, has also been a target for Newcastle, Tottenham and possibly even Manchester City in this summer window.
    However, it is said the Hammers are now in advanced talks with the Brazilian.
    According to The Athletic, the East London club are working hard to get a deal over the line.
    A bid of £34m was submitted with negotiations now taking place over the fee and personal terms.
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    Paqueta joined Lyon in 2020 and has racked up 18 goals in 67 Ligue 1 matches.
    On the international stage, he has seven in 33 and looks set to be part of Brazil’s World Cup squad in Qatar later this year.
    David Moyes has already signed Gianluca Scamacca, Maxwel Cornet, Flynn Downes, Alphonse Areola, Nayef Aguerd, Emerson Palmeiri and Thilo Kehrer this summer.
    Kehrer endured a torrid debut as he gave away an early penalty in the 2-0 defeat to Brighton.
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    Paqueta was born in Rio de Janeiro and came through the Flamengo academy.
    He earned his transfer to Europe when AC came calling in 2019 but after just one season he switched to France and settled instantaneously.
    His rise in the Brazil national team saw him work with former team coordinator Edu.
    Now overseeing transfers at Arsenal, Paqueta’s compatriot said said: “I’m very respectful when I talk about Lucas.
    “I’m a guy who likes him a lot, I’ve always liked him, since my time with Brazil’s national team.
    “He’s had a great season, he was considered the best [overseas] player in the French league.”
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    But with Martin Odegaard, Fabio Vieira and Emile Smith Rowe already operating in creative midfield roles, the Gunners did not get a transfer done this summer.
    And with Newcastle stalling over their £50m offer as they focus on Alexander Isak, it could be West Ham fans on the bubbles very soon if all parties are happy. More

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    Thilo Kehrer has horror West Ham debut as ex-PSG defender gives away penalty after just 20 minutes for clumsy challenge

    THILO KEHRER got off to a horror start at West Ham after giving away a penalty 20 minutes into his Premier League debut against Brighton. The defender has been thrown straight into the team with David Moyes short of a few centre-backs.
    Kehrer brought Welbeck down inside the penalty areaCredit: Reuters
    Brighton were awarded a penalty which Mac Allister scoredCredit: Reuters
    West Ham are without a win in their opening two Prem games, losing to Manchester City and league newcomers Nottingham Forest.
    And they got off to a nightmare start against Brighton as ex-PSG ace Kehrer conceded a penalty.
    Centre-back partner Kurt Zouma lost possession, leaving West Ham short at the back.
    Danny Welbeck was then slipped through on goal and Kehrer mistimed his challenge – bringing the former England international down.
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    The referee pointed to the spot and Alexis Mac Allister dispatched the spot-kick to fire Brighton ahead.
    Kehrer completed his £10million switch to East London on Wednesday, penning a four-year contract.
    The Hammers were especially eager to strengthen at the back after losing fellow new-boy Nayef Aguerd to a serious ankle injury last month while Issa Diop joined Fulham.
    West Ham are yet to beat Brighton in the Prem in ten attempts – with the Seagulls undefeated in their five visits to the London Stadium.
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    A win would mean Brighton have taken seven from an available nine.
    The Seagulls started their campaign off with a win at Old Trafford over Manchester United.
    They then followed that result up with a draw with Newcastle. More