Just in: Fabrizio Romano says Tottenham contacted agent of £150k/wk playmaker today, he’s open to move
The final hours of the summer transfer window are always a whirlwind of rumors, negotiations, and last-minute possibilities, and Tottenham Hotspur appears to be right in the thick of it.
Fresh off the impressive signing of Mohammed Kudus from West Ham, manager Thomas Frank is not done shopping in East London.
The club has now turned its attention to another Hammers star, the creative Brazilian maestro Lucas Paquetá, in a move that would send a real statement of intent to their Premier League rivals.
According to reliable sources, Tottenham have held new discussions with the representatives of the West Ham playmaker. These talks have revealed a crucial piece of information: Paquetá is open to the idea of leaving the London Stadium before the transfer deadline if the right opportunity presents itself.
This is significant news for Spurs, who are desperately seeking more creativity and goal threat in the final third of the pitch after the bitter disappointment of seeing primary target Eberechi Eze snatched away by arch-rivals Arsenal.
The pursuit of Paquetá is a clear sign of Tottenham’s ambition under Frank. Having already secured a major coup by bringing Kudus to North London, adding another player of Paquetá’s quality would completely transform their attacking options.
The Brazilian is a different kind of player to Eze—more of a classic number ten who excels at linking play, unlocking defenses with clever passes, and contributing important goals.
His recent performance against Chelsea, where he scored and was a constant menace, is a perfect example of the quality he brings.
There are, of course, complications to any potential deal. West Ham is in a relatively strong negotiating position. Paquetá still has two years remaining on his contract, which pays him a reported £150,000 per week.
The club’s asking price is understood to be in the region of £60 million, a substantial fee for a player who will soon turn 27. Furthermore, there is reported interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia, though it is believed the player’s priority would be to remain playing at the highest level in Europe.
One major hurdle that has now been removed is the lengthy investigation by the Football Association into betting allegations.
Paquetá has been officially cleared of any wrongdoing, meaning any buying club can proceed with confidence, without the fear of a potential suspension looming over a new signing.
For Thomas Frank, Paquetá represents the ideal solution to a pressing problem. The need for a proven, creative force in the center of the park is obvious, and the Brazilian has already demonstrated he can perform at a high level in the Premier League.
His technical ability, vision, and flair would provide a perfect complement to the direct running and energy of Kudus, potentially forming one of the most exciting attacking partnerships in the league.
While a deal is not yet close or imminent, the fact that talks have advanced to this stage is telling. Tottenham’s hierarchy is showing they are willing to back their manager with significant investment, even this late in the window.
The coming hours will be critical. Can Spurs structure a deal that meets West Ham’s valuation? Can they convince the player that his future lies at Hotspur Way?
One thing is certain: the potential arrival of Lucas Paquetá would be a spectacular way to cap off what has already been a transformative summer for Tottenham Hotspur, proving that they are serious about competing with the very best.