Filipe Luis praises 'quality' Paqueta amid talk of West Ham exit
Lucas Paqueta is expected to leave West Ham this transfer window, with his boyhood club Flamengo among the teams interested in him.
Filipe Luis hinted that Flamengo are interested in re-signing Lucas Paqueta, claiming, "you always find a place for players of such quality".
Reports in recent days suggest that West Ham are prepared to sell Paqueta in this transfer window for a reduced fee.
The Brazilian has been under investigation for a potential breach of betting regulations, though reports suggest he is set to be cleared, with the ruling going predominantly his way.
Paqueta made 33 appearances in the Premier League for West Ham last season, netting four goals from 5.3 expected goals (xG).
Though he did not register any assists, he created the second-most chances among the squad (36), behind only Jarrod Bowen (51).
Paqueta came through Flamengo's academy and moved into the first team in March 2016 before departing for AC Milan in 2019.
And the Brazilian side are currently the favourites to sign him from West Ham, though Filipe Luis tried to brush off the speculation.
"First, he is not a player of ours but belongs to a Premier League club, one of the best clubs in Europe, so we need to respect [that]," he said.
"Paqueta has a big story here; the love of the affection of the fans, and I have no doubt that Paqueta has a place in any team of the world.
"You always find a place for players of such quality".
