Lucas Paquetá has decided on his future amid Tottenham’s surprise £50m approach to West Ham

Tottenham have reportedly made an unexpected £50million move for West Ham forward Lucas Paquetá, according to reports in South America.

Rumours intensified on Monday suggesting the Brazilian has requested to leave West Ham during the current transfer window, with Spurs—set to face the Hammers next—emerging as surprise contenders. Paquetá was strongly linked with a switch to Tottenham last summer, but the transfer failed to materialise and he remained at the London Stadium. At the time, a fee of around £40m was mooted, a figure that now appears unlikely.

Despite his inconsistent form at West Ham, the club are reluctant to part with Paquetá below their valuation. UOL journalist Rodrigo Mattos reported on Monday night that Spurs had submitted a £50m bid, though the player has reportedly made it clear he has no interest in joining the north London side. Instead, Paquetá is said to favour a return to Brazil, with Flamengo his preferred destination. Mattos added that discussions between Flamengo and West Ham were scheduled for Monday as both clubs seek a resolution.

This latest development effectively rules out a Tottenham move this month and raises questions over why Spurs were willing to stretch to £50m. If the interest was genuine, it could add weight to speculation that Mathys Tel may be set for an exit, given the similarity in their attacking profiles. Paquetá mainly plays as an attacking midfielder but can also operate out wide, while Tel is used centrally or on the left. As the January window enters its closing stages, Spurs will now look to redirect that reported £50m towards a more appropriate target.