Aston Villa in talks to sign Lucas Paqueta for £50 million | OneFootball

Aston Villa are working on a deal to sign West Ham United’s Lucas Paqueta this summer (BBC).

Villa are in the market for reinforcements after an uninspiring start to the season, in which they have collected only one point from two Premier League games.

The Villans have turned to Paqueta, who has started the new season in top form, to reinforce their ranks.

After being acquitted of the spot-fixing charges levelled against him that scuppered his big-money move to Manchester City, Paqueta is playing well again.

The Villa target has scored two goals in three appearances for West Ham this term.

He looks significantly better than he did over the last two seasons, when he was weighed down by the case hanging over his head.

Villa are now trying to secure a loan deal for Paqueta with an obligation to buy.

Both the loan and the clause will cost around £50 million, a far cry from the £85m the Hammers were demanding years ago.

While West Ham are eager to keep the 55-capped Brazilian international, he is open to joining Villa.

Signing Paqueta would be a massive statement for Villa. The former AC Milan and Lyon star has the flair and technical sharpness to elevate their attack.

His ability to find space, unlock defences and chip in with goals could transform Villa’s sluggish play into something far more dynamic.

Paqueta fits the profile of a player who thrives under pressure and delivers in big moments.

If Villa can pull this off, they’ll be adding a creative heartbeat needed to challenge higher up the table, but West Ham won’t be keen on selling.