6 months ago
35 Manchester City were interested in signing West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paqueta.
The Premier League champions came close to signing the midfielder last summer but the move did not materialise due an investigation involving the midfielder for breaking betting rules.
The Brazilian international has now been charged by the FA for spot fixing, putting his move to Man City and his future at West Ham in major doubt.
The latest development could see Man City make a move for Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, according to journalist Dean Jones who told GiveMeSport.
The journalist has revealed that Guardiola feels the need to sign a central midfielder this summer, adding more strength to his already brilliant squad at the club.
Jones told GiveMeSport that Paqueta’s charge could trigger Man City to make a move for his compatriot.
“There were whispers that he would get off without charge, so this is a bit of a surprise and I think the immediate reaction from Paqueta is genuine in terms of the shock he conveys.
“In terms of the knock-on impact it has, Man City have been positioning themselves to make a new bid to sign him in the summer. This news shakes things up in that sense, even though it’s too early to know exactly what the punishment would be around this.
“I do wonder if this means City look to focus more clearly on Bruno Guimaraes as a target for the summer window when it opens.
Bruno Guimaraes to Man City?
“They have been looking at potentially bidding for both Bruno and Paqueta but maybe this makes a push for Guimaraes even more likely to make sure they get one of them in.”
If Paqueta gets in trouble with the FA, he could be in line for a lengthy ban.
Ivan Toney received an eight month ban for betting breaches while Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali is currently undergoing a ten month ban for breaking gambling regulations.
Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes has a release clause of £100m in his contract, as confirmed by manager Eddie Howe.
Man City retain long term interest in Newcastle midfielder
Man City can sign the Brazilian midfielder if they agree to pay his release clause but that clause is only valid till the end of June.
The Premier League champions would have to make a quick move if they are interested in signing the former Lyon midfielder.
Guimaraes has performed consistently for the Magpies in the midfield, scoring seven goals and providing eight assists in the 2023-24 season.
Losing him would be a major blow for the Toon Army but their financial issues can be solved with the sale of the midfielder.
