West Ham United has officially lost Lucas Paquetá, their key creative player, to Flamengo in a €42 million deal. This leaves manager Nuno Espírito Santo facing a significant challenge in midfield. Paquetá’s move, motivated by a wish to return home, places additional pressure on the East London club as they strive to remain in the Premier League.
West Ham United Targets Atalanta’s Nicola Zalewski to Replace Paquetá
In response, West Ham is looking towards Serie A. According to Italian transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio, the club is interested in Polish international Nicola Zalewski from Atalanta to fill Paquetá’s role at the London Stadium. Di Marzio notes that the Hammers have inquired about the 24-year-old midfielder.
Zalewski joined Atalanta from Roma in the summer of 2025 for around €17 million. He has established himself as a regular starter in Raffaele Palladino’s squad as they pursue Champions League qualification. Therefore, Atalanta is well-positioned to negotiate.
The Italian club is likely to seek a significant profit before allowing a player to depart midway through the season, given that his contract extends until 2029. While a formal bid hasn’t been made yet, West Ham’s interest is genuine. The management knows they need to act quickly before the January window closes in 48 hours, enabling Nuno to get the players he needs to ensure the team’s survival.
A Gamble for Survival