PL club could step up talks for 25yo Arsenal star if £47m deal goes through
West Ham United could turn their attention to Arsenal playmaker Fabio Vieira if Lucas Paqueta moves to Aston Villa.
The 25-year-old is anticipated to leave the Gunners before Monday’s transfer deadline, and the Hammers have recently joined Stuttgart in the race to sign him.
West Ham have not made a formal move, but could step up their pursuit if Paqueta were to depart. Villa have proposed a loan deal for the Brazilian with an obligation to buy (£47 million package).
Meanwhile, Stuttgart are reluctant to pay more than £17m for Vieira (valued at £25m). Their stance does not appear to have changed despite the big-money departure of Nick Woltemade.
Arsenal will now be anticipating a move from the Hammers for Vieira.
Vieira could get a Premier League lifeline with West Ham
Vieira joined the Gunners from Porto with a glowing reputation three years ago, but his career at the club has not progressed amid fierce competition and injury concerns.
The playmaker has managed only 1,886 minutes in his 49 appearances, but he has still made 13 goal contributions. He has had a goal involvement in every 145 minutes.
Vieira undoubtedly has the talent to succeed at the highest level, but the Gunners have outgrown him. He was deemed surplus to requirements last summer with the emergence of Ethan Nwaneri.
Arsenal have added Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke to their forward ranks this summer, while 15-year-old Max Dowman looks set for a wonderful breakthrough season at the club.
It is the right time for the Gunners to part ways with Vieira. With two years remaining on his contract, Arsenal are eyeing at least £25m, which the Hammers could commit to paying.
The east London outfit could propose a loan with a buy obligation. A deal could ultimately depend on Paqueta’s future. The player has yet to receive the green light to join Villa.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
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