West Ham United are keen to sign Lucas Paquetá before the window closes. On Thursday, they made an improved bid of €57m after their previous offer of €50m was turned down by Lyon.
Earlier on Friday, we covered a claim made by L’Equipe that the 24-year-old is close to finding a contractual agreement with the Hammers.
It was also explained West Ham and the Ligue 1 side are getting closer to agreeing a deal for the attacking midfielder.
The French club will face Stade de Reims in the league clash on Sunday. In the pre-match press conference, Lyon manager Peter Bosz was quizzed about the reports of West Ham’s interest in the Brazil international.
Responding to the rumours, as quoted by RMC Sport, the Dutchman said: “I do as with all the players announced elsewhere. I look at how they are in the head. It’s like that until September 1st.
“He’s a very good player, no discussion on that. We have more than eleven starters. If you’re in my squad, it’s because you’re a good player.
“Lucas Paquetá is still there, he’s trained. He is with us, he is not dead, eh. He is very happy here. It is Friday not Sunday so I don’t know if he will play on Sunday against Reims.
“In Lucas’ position we have players, no [he will not be replaced]. We can talk about several players announced elsewhere.
“It happens like for Aouar and Dembélé. On September 1st we will have already played five games. It’s modern football. For Aouar, the newspapers said he was very close [to leaving], it’s not easy for coaches and players but that’s the way it is.”
Bosz stating that he is unsure whether the South American will featuring this weekend and Lyon not looking to bring in a replacement should give hope to David Moyes’ side.
Paquetá’s compatriot and club teammate, Thiago Mendes, is hopeful the former stays at Lyon, despite West Ham’s interest.
“Lucas is still with us, he’s training with us. He’s giving his all and is focused on the game to come,” Mendes explained.
“I don’t know if he’s going to leave. We hope he’s going to stay, he’s a very good player. He does not talk about what surrounds a possible departure. I hope he will continue here, he is an important player for us. He is focused on the next games.”
