Chelsea have yet to make their first signing under Liam Rosenior and have not ruled out January additions, especially as their defensive and midfield departments are in need of better depth and quality ahead of the decisive phase of the season.
Renan Moura, a Brazilian journalist, has reported that Chelsea are considering a transfer for West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paqueta, who is expected to leave the Hammers in the ongoing transfer window for approximately £35 million.
Flamengo are most interested in the player’s transfer and having had an initial bid rejected, they are expected to come back with a better offer, although the Blues are hoping to thwart them by entering into talks with their city rivals in the very near future.
Paqueta a good signing for Chelsea
Lucas Paqueta would be a solid signing for Chelsea. He can play a deeper role in midfield, slightly higher up and does well with an without the ball. Amid fitness concerns surrounding Romeo Lavia, the Brazilian international promises to be a welcome addition.
Paqueta’s entourage also believes that staying in Europe instead of joining Flamengo is the better choice for the 28-year-old, who is in the best years of his career, but the player is ‘determined’ to leave England given his treatment over match-fixing allegations.
It will be interesting to see if Chelsea can convince Paqueta into joining them this month, or whether the player is hellbent on returning to his homeland to join Flamengo. If he is willing to stay in England, there is interest from elsewhere too.
Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur are also believed to be interested in Paqueta should he leave the door ajar to continuing in the Premier League, but considering what Chelsea can offer, they will likely be the favourites for him ahead of local rivals.
