David Moyes admits Lucas Paqueta has a ‘price’ as Man City eye big-money move for West Ham star

The Hammers are believed to want at least £85m for the Brazilian as they look to avoid another high-profile departure
David Moyes is reluctant to lose Lucas Paqueta
Getty Images
Dom Smith12 August 2023

David Moyes admitted “there’s a price on everybody’s head” amid interest in midfielder Lucas Paqueta from Manchester City.

City have been linked with a move for the Brazilian, who started for West Ham as they drew 1-1 with Bournemouth on the opening day of the Premier League season.

Jarrod Bowen put the Hammers ahead with a thunderous strike, before Dominic Solanke stole the hosts a merited point eight minutes from time.

Moyes admitted it would be difficult for the club to lose two of its best players in the same window — if Paqueta did leave this summer — following Declan Rice’s departure to Arsenal.

“But I’ve also got to keep good harmony in the football club and ensure things are done correctly,” Moyes said.

“There’s a price on everybody’s head. We have had news on Lucas, but not anything to make our heads wobble. Lucas Paqueta is an incredibly talented player. We played him a bit deeper alongside Tomas [Soucek].”

Moyes hailed Bowen’s second-half stunner, saying: “It was a brilliant goal. Look, Jarrod is becoming our major goalscorer. He’s got the instincts of a forward.

“We didn’t do enough to control the game. We were hanging on. But they all played their part today in getting a good point.”

Alphonse Areola started in goal instead of Lukasz Fabianski, and Moyes said he is pleased to have such competition for places in that department.

“I’ve got two goalkeepers who could be No1,” the West Ham boss said.

“Lukasz Fabianski has been probably the most consistent player at West Ham, certainly in my time here. But we’ve also got to look to the future. I’ve got really good competition in the goalkeeper slot.”

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