FLAMENGO WANTS TO CLOSE A PLAYER IN JULY! THE PLAN IS TO RESPOND TO RIVALS HIRING

After being cleared by British courts, Lucas Paquetá has once again sparked speculation in European football. The West Ham midfielder, despite still playing regularly for the Hammers, has not performed as expected, and his continued presence at the London club is once again in doubt.

CHELSEA EMERGES AS INTERESTED PARTY

According to transfer news outlets like CFCBlueNews and Transfers News Live, intermediaries have already offered the Brazilian to Chelsea . However, coach Enzo Maresca prioritizes signing Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig, leaving Paquetá as an alternative.

The midfielder's desire is to play in a more visible setting, but West Ham is unlikely to make his exit easy. The English club will demand a higher price than his market value— estimated at €28 million (approximately R$176.9 million, according to Transfermarkt) .

OTHER CANDIDATES

In addition to the Blues, other giants are monitoring the Brazilian's situation: Manchester City, who have been monitoring the player for months; Newcastle, looking for reinforcements for the midfield; Flamengo , mentioned as a possible destination in case of a return to Brazil .

PERFORMANCE AND AMBITIONS

Last season, Paquetá played 36 matches, scored 5 goals, and remained a key player at West Ham . However, with his sights set on the 2026 World Cup, the midfielder considers it essential to play for a more prominent club.

OPEN FUTURE

With no official offer yet, the number 10 remains in the spotlight on the transfer market. Amid speculation and expectations, Paquetá continues to await the next step in his international career, with Flamengo keeping a close eye on every move.

This Wednesday (20), Flamengo faces Internacional again, now in the second leg of the round of 16 of the Copa Libertadores, at the Beira-Rio stadium. The Rio de Janeiro team has already beaten the Gauchos in the two previous meetings : 1-0 at Maracanã and 3-1 last Sunday (17), in Rio Grande do Sul.

Casagrande bets: "I believe Flamengo will go through"

According to former player Casagrande, Internacional's strength as a home team is recognized, but Flamengo remains the clear favorite. " I believe Flamengo will advance. They have the advantage of a draw, and even with Inter having the support of their fans, playing at Beira-Rio, where it's not easy. So, I don't think Flamengo will lose this game. Flamengo will qualify," he stated.

CASAGRANDE PROJECTS FLA X INTER

Internacional, under pressure from the aggregate result, should adopt an attacking stance. However, Casagrande emphasizes that facing Flamengo is a difficult task , considering the strength of the squad and coach Filipe Luís's ability to make strategic adjustments during the match.

"It's a team that will have to go all out against Flamengo to score. Go all out against Flamengo, which has the best squad in South America . Filipe Luís takes off five players and puts on five, and the team, at times, even becomes more aggressive and better, guys," he explained.

FLAMENGO'S GOOD MOMENT

With a favorable recent record, Flamengo arrives at Beira-Rio confident, even away from home. The expectation is to maintain its dominant pace and secure a spot in the Copa Libertadores quarterfinals, ensuring another standout performance from the squad.

After leaving Atlético de Madrid in the last transfer window, Samuel Lino arrived at Flamengo in good form and was already being closely watched by Carlo Ancelotti, who included him in a preliminary list for the Brazilian National Team's commitments in the World Cup Qualifiers.

Despite his short time at the club, Samuel Lino has already proven himself in the red-and-black squad . In six matches, the forward has actively participated in matches against Internacional, Mirassol, Ceará, and Atlético-MG (two times). Although he hasn't yet scored, his assist against Mirassol and his style, characterized by speed and dribbling, have earned him a place with the fans.

Carlo Ancelotti's interest intensified after a dinner in Rio de Janeiro on August 14 , when coach and player met. Vinícius Júnior's suspension for the first match of the FIFA World Cup leaves room for Samuel Lino to be considered as an alternative for the games against Chile and Bolivia, scheduled for September 4 and 9.

EXPECTATION FOR THE OFFICIAL LIST

Carlo Ancelotti 's call-up will take place on Monday (25), and the coach will officially announce the list of players who will face Chile and Bolivia. The games will take place on September 4th and 9th , respectively. Léo Ortiz is also expected to appear in the call-up.

FLAMENGO CALENDAR

Despite the possibility of being called up, the striker shouldn't be a problem for Flamengo 's schedule. During the FIFA international break, the club will have a break from competition , with matches against Grêmio on August 31st and Juventude on September 13th. This way, Lino will be able to fully dedicate himself to the national team without compromising his commitments for the Rio de Janeiro club.