Man City preparing for summer move to sign "incredible" £80m West Ham star

In what could finally see them get their hands on a long-term target, Manchester City chiefs have reportedly been preparing to make their summer move to sign a midfielder worth over £80m.

Man City’s Champions League run-in

Whilst their sights may not be set on Premier League glory for the first time in four seasons, Manchester City have still followed the trend of finding their best form when it matters most.

Just when they seemed likely to miss out on a Champions League place, Pep Guardiola’s side have put together a ruthless run of nine straight games without defeat in all competitions, in a run that has seen one defensive change pay dividends.

Now, all eyes will be on the final three Premier League games and chasing second-place Arsenal in what would be quite the turnaround this late into the season. All of a sudden, Guardiola’s team in ‘crisis’ could end the campaign sat in second with an FA Cup final against Crystal Palace to boot.

The City boss recently had his say on his side’s final run, telling reporters: “We are better than weeks ago, winning games in a row. It’s good to win when we play the way we played today, but we cannot relax — Southampton, Bournemouth, and Fulham [left to play].”

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It’s not just on the pitch that Champions League qualification will be celebrated, either. Away from the action, a place in Europe’s elite competition will allow the Citizens to spend big once more and potentially attract stars such as Morgan Gibbs-White and one other Premier League midfielder.

Man City chiefs preparing for Paqueta move

According to reports in Spain, Manchester City chiefs are now preparing to make a summer move to sign Lucas Paqueta from West Ham United, having failed to get their deal over the line for the Brazilian last year. Then reportedly worth around £85m, the deal may yet come cheaper a year on as those at The Etihad prepare to spend big once more to sign a player Guardiola loves.

The move wouldn’t be without major risk, however. It’s worth noting that the midfielder is still waiting to hear the verdict of his betting case, which could yet see him banned for an extensive period of time. Should that prove to be the outcome, then City’s investment would be an instant mistake.

That said, there’s no denying Paqueta’s ability with or without the controversy. Former West Ham manager David Moyes was a particular fan of the 27-year-old during his time at the London Stadium, telling reporters in 2023: “Lucas was terrific.

“He drives me mad sometimes but everybody who watched him would have said: ‘This player has got incredible talent’. There is a word that goes around, a maverick. He is that for us. It is really important we get him in and adapt to him and accept some of his things.”