West Ham United have now intensified contact to sign a “phenomenal” player, who is also being targeted by rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

West Ham keen on attacking midfielder amid Paqueta uncertainty

There have been widespread reports that West Ham could now be willing to cash-in on Lucas Paqueta this summer, should they receive an offer of £60m, and Tottenham have now joined the race for the Brazilian’s signature.

Indeed, with Spurs missing out on Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze, they could now look to raid their London rivals once again, having already signed Mohammed Kudus earlier in the transfer window.

The Hammers have a big decision to make when it comes to Paqueta’s future, having stuck by the 27-year-old during the investigation into spot-fixing allegations, which he has now been cleared of.

However, during that time, the 55-time Brazil international hasn’t exactly been at his best, failing to kick on last season after impressing in his opening two campaigns at the London Stadium.

Season

Appearances (all comps)

Goal contributions

2022-23

41

12

2023-24

43

15

2024-25

38

6

With Paqueta’s future up in the air, West Ham are now stepping up their efforts to sign a new attacking midfielder, having intensified contact over a deal for AS Roma’s Lorenzo Pellegrini, according to a report from Italy (via Sport Witness).

Pellegrini, who is also being targeted by Tottenham, is set to be allowed to leave Roma for just €10m (£9m) this summer, making him a low-cost addition to Graham Potter’s squad, and the Irons have now made an approach.

Roma sporting director Frederic Massara has confirmed the decision to sanction the 29-year-old’s departure, saying: “As soon as I arrived, I informed Pellegrini that we would not be renewing his contract; it’s a decision we shared. For this reason, in order not to lose the player for free and because of Lorenzo’s wishes, we are seeing if there are opportunities for him.”

"Phenomenal" Pellegrini has impressive record at Roma

In many ways, it is a surprise that Roma have been unwilling to extend the Italian’s contract, given that the playmaker has been a regular source of goals and assists throughout his time with the club, chipping in with 114 goal contributions in 316 outings.

However, the Rome-born midfielder fell below his usual standards in the 2024-25 campaign, picking up just two goals and two assists in the Serie A, which suggests he may not be much of an upgrade on Paqueta.

“I’ve managed 2 phenomenal midfielders that know how to score goals in my career: Lampard and Pellegrini.” – Claudio Ranieri

That said, it could still be worth pursuing the 36-time Italy international, given that a deal would not break the bank, and the maestro is versatile, having regularly featured in both attacking and defensive midfield roles throughout his career so far.

As such, while West Ham shouldn’t sanction Paqueta’s departure, especially to Tottenham, Pellegrini could be a solid addition to Potter’s squad, which evidently needs a fresh injection of quality, given the torrid start to the campaign.