Transfer Talks of August 17: West Ham plans £85 million transfer for Lucas Paqueta, Chelsea explores Petrovic, Endo, Gravenberch, Hall

Posted : 17 August 2023

West Ham has established a firm price tag of £85 million for Lucas Paqueta, a target coveted by Manchester City, while Chelsea is displaying interest in Djordje Petrovic, the goalkeeper of New England Revolution. Additionally, Liverpool is contemplating a return to Bayern Munich for the potential acquisition of midfielder Ryan Gravenberch, and Newcastle is potentially outpacing Crystal Palace to secure a loan deal for Chelsea's young midfielder Lewis Hall.

West Ham Set Asking Price for Paqueta
According to The Telegraph, Manchester City is facing a considerable fee to secure Lucas Paqueta, with the Brazilian playmaker already having agreed upon terms with his potential new team. The report states: "West Ham United has stipulated a valuation of £85 million for Lucas Paqueta, whereas Manchester City's offers have thus far fallen significantly short of that amount. This figure aligns with a release clause specified in Paqueta's contract, which, though slated to become active next year, is believed to be an acceptable benchmark for West Ham at present. Apprehensions persist that the Brazilian international may be determined to expedite the transfer, prompting West Ham to formulate contingency strategies in the event of his anticipated departure before the end of the month. Having acquired the 25-year-old from Lyon for £51 million just last year, West Ham is striving to negotiate a price approaching £85 million. Reports from France suggest that Paqueta has already reached an accord with Manchester City for a six-year contract."

Chelsea's Interest in Petrovic
The Mirror suggests that Chelsea is contemplating a substantial investment to secure Djordje Petrovic from the MLS side New England Revolution, given the departures of Edouard Mendy and Kepa Arrizabalaga. "Chelsea recognizes that securing New England Revolution's goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic this summer would necessitate a record-breaking MLS transfer fee," the outlet asserts. "Petrovic, aged 23, had previously attracted interest from Manchester United earlier in the transfer window. However, the attention of Erik ten Hag's team subsequently shifted to the acquisition of Andre Onana from Inter Miami for $60 million. An agreement with Petrovic would necessitate significant financial commitment, as the London Evening Standard cites a price tag of $30 million. If Chelsea commits to or exceeds this sum, it would surpass the existing MLS player transfer record of $27 million set when Newcastle United acquired Miguel Almiron from Atlanta United in early 2019."

Gravenberch And Liverpool Link
Following their pursuit of Wataru Endo from Stuttgart, Liverpool could potentially reignite their interest in Ryan Gravenberch of Bayern Munich as they seek to strengthen their central midfield. The Daily Mail reports: "Liverpool has submitted an unexpected £16 million bid for Stuttgart's 30-year-old midfielder Wataru Endo and has also rekindled their pursuit of Bayern Munich's Ryan Gravenberch. Endo, the tenacious captain of the Japanese national team, is familiar to Liverpool's sporting director Jorge Schmadtke and is versatile enough to also play as a central defender. He is scheduled for a medical evaluation in Merseyside. Gravenberch, aged 21, is open to a move to secure more consistent playing time. Although Bayern has thus far resisted offloading him, they are dealing with an excess of midfield options and are under pressure to recoup funds following the £100 million signing of Harry Kane. Gravenberch joined Bayern from Ajax last year under a five-year contract, but he only started three Bundesliga matches last season, potentially paving the way for his departure."

Newcastle Considering Loan for Hall
Newcastle is contemplating a potential move to secure Chelsea's 18-year-old midfielder Lewis Hall, who had been close to sealing a transfer to Crystal Palace. The Sun reports: "Crystal Palace's endeavor to secure Chelsea's Lewis Hall is facing a setback as Premier League competitors Newcastle make a move. Hall, aged 18, has recently signed a new six-year contract with Chelsea, including an option for an additional year. This follows an impressive inaugural twelve senior appearances at Stamford Bridge. Hall was primed for a transition to Selhurst Park, poised to make his debut for the Eagles against Sheffield United. However, Newcastle's manager Eddie Howe is reportedly eager to secure the midfielder's services, even as Financial Fair Play regulations present potential obstacles."

Transfer Talks of August 17: West Ham plans £85 million transfer for Lucas Paqueta, Chelsea explores Petrovic, Endo, Gravenberch, Hall

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