In the 2022 summer transfer window, West Ham signed 27-year-old Brazil international Lucas Paqueta for a £51 million transfer fee from Ligue 1 side Lyon. Paqueta had a great debut season for the Hammers, scoring five goals and providing seven assists that helped West Ham win the UEFA Conference League in 2023. However, things haven't worked out well for Paqueta at West Ham since then, as he has been involved in some off-field issues which kept Premier League Champions Manchester City from signing him and West Ham from receiving a significant transfer fee of £85 million.
Towards the end of the last season, Paqueta had several underwhelming performances for the Hammers as West Ham couldn't build on their good start to their Premier League campaign and finished ninth in the league table. Moreover, Paqueta hasn't made any goal contributions for Julen Lopetegui's side after scoring his penalty in the 2-1 defeat on the opening matchday. Therefore, there are uncertainties surrounding Paqueta's future at West Ham and the Hammers can look to replace him in the next transfer window, if West Ham's goal scoring struggles continue in the upcoming matches.
West Ham consider signing Lucas Paqueta's former teammate as his replacement
According to a report from Fichajes, West Ham have set their sights on bringing Paqueta's former teammate at the club in case the 27-year-old departs the London Stadium. The player is talented Lyon playmaker Rayan Cherki, who has been attracting interest from top clubs around Europe due to his promising displays for Lyon and the France U21 team in recent years. Cherki made his Lyon debut in the 2019/20 season and has since gone on to make 144 appearances for the French side, scoring 19 goals and providing 25 assists in all competitions.
Cherki's creative playmaking and his versatility to play as a left-winger as well as a centre forward make him a brilliant option for the Hammers, both in terms of quality as well as squad depth. The 21-year-old is valued at £25 million by Lyon and it remains to be seen whether West Ham will try to make an opening bid for him in the January transfer window.