West Ham United are looking into Manchester City’s James McAtee as a potential replacement for wanted man Lucas Paqueta.
After a difficult start to the campaign, the Hammers are already looking towards the January transfer window, with James McAtee reportedly being a top target.
The City youngster would come in as a replacement for Paqueta, who has interest from Brazilian side Botafogo.
How has Paqueta fared this season?
After an impressive last season for Paqueta, the Brazilian has struggled to hit the ground running again this campaign under Julien Lopetegui in what has been a difficult start for West Ham.
Paqueta has played 11 times for the Hammers in the Premier League this season, managing only two goals and not picking up an assist.
Although he has struggled for form this campaign, the attacking midfielder has still been called up to the Brazilian national team. There, he has been a starter and has helped his nation pick up seven points from 12.
Paqueta is now reportedly wanted back home, with Botafogo holding an interest in the former AC Milan midfielder.
McAtee struggling for gametime.
After impressive back-to-back loan campaigns for Sheffield United, picking up 22 goal contributions for the Blades, McAtee was brought into Manchester City’s first team, but he has not been able to break through.
Although he has been included in the matchday squad for every game in the Premier League, McAtee has only come off the bench once, where he came on with minutes to go.
The 22-year-old attacking midfielder’s main minutes this season have come from cup competitions, where he started in the Community Shield and both Carabao Cup matches.
McAtee has also come off the bench in two of City’s Champions League matches, where he picked up his first goal contribution of the season, scoring in a 4-0 win over Slovan Bratislava.
Overall, McAtee has managed only six appearances in all competitions for Pep Guardiola’s side, scoring once.
Paqueta’s potential replacement.
According to journalist Alan Nixon (paywall), McAtee is a top target for West Ham. The club views the former Sheffield United midfielder as a replacement for key starter Lucas Paqueta.
Paqueta has recently attracted the interest of Brazilian giants Botafogo, and if the price is right, they may sell the midfielder.
To sign McAtee permanently, the Hammers would need to pay around £20 million or more, which may happen in the upcoming January window.
As McAtee struggles for minutes, a fresh move away from the Etihad may be needed for his career, a move to the Hammers could give him the chance to gain some needed Premier League experience and prove himself in the top flight.
He may look at Cole Palmer as an example, a move away to get more minutes has given Palmer the chance to shine at Chelsea, showing his quality when starting consistently, and McAtee is in a similar situation.
It will be interesting to see if West Ham make the move for James McAtee in January, and if they sell one of their star players in Lucas Paqueta.