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Former Premier League winner could be West Ham’s Paqueta alternative – report

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AC Milan attacking midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek has been linked with a return to the Premier League in January as West Ham look to find a replacement for Brazilian star man Lucas Paqueta amid his betting scandal, according to talkSPORT

The 24/25 season has been a troubling one for Paqueta. The 27-year-old has been a revelation in midfield for the Hammers but due to allegedly participating in illegal betting activities by deliberately receiving yellow cards to exploit the market, he is now facing a potential lifetime ban from The Football Association.

As reported by the Daily Mail, the FA released a statement on the controversy, stating: ‘It is alleged that he directly sought to influence the progress, conduct, or any other aspect of, or occurrence in these matches by intentionally seeking to receive a card from the referee for the improper purpose of affecting the betting market in order for one or more persons to profit from betting.”

While losing a player of Paqueta’s ability will surely worry fans, it appears the club is already preparing for the worst. talkSPORT recently revealed that the club could look to bring former Chelsea starlet Loftus-Cheek back to London this season.

Can Loftus-Cheek replace Paqueta?

The England international moved to the Serie A last summer after a strong debut season, bagging 10 goals and 2 assists in all competitions. However, he has failed to start for the Italian giants in their last three league games and a departure from the Rossoneri could be on the cards.

Replacing a player of Paqueta’s ability is never an easy job, however, getting a player who has experience playing in multiple positions not only in the Premier League but on the international stage and for Italian giants, Milan, should ease the worries of Irons fans.

Since leaving England, where he won the Premier League twice with Chelsea, the midfielder has picked up 10 goals and three assists in 48 appearances and helped Milan finish second in Serie A last season. He has also picked up valuable Champions League experience, which will fit in with West Ham’s European ambitions.

His style of play is also very close to that of Paqueta’s. Both players can play across the midfield and while his defensive capabilities are inferior to Paqueta’s, his attacking prowess will help replace the goals and assists they could lose from the Brazilian.

According to Fbref, Loftus-Cheek ranks in the 99th percentile for non-penalty goals, 95th for progressive carries and 92nd for successful take-ons compared to midfielders in the top five leagues, while Paqueta ranks in the 90th, 56th, and 88th in these areas respectively.

Former West Ham manager and Premier League legend, Gianfranco Zola previously hailed Loftus-Cheek’s ability and the ‘huge leap’ he can still take. He said to Gazzetta dello Sport, “He’s a great player and if he can find continuity, also protecting himself from injuries, he will be a true top player.

“One of those who allow you to make a huge leap in quality: he breaks the balance, he gets past his man, physically very strong,”

West Ham have been a savvy and ambitious club in recent transfer windows. While Loftus-Cheek might not be the sexiest name to bring in for fans, he will be a PSR-friendly transfer and has the experience and potential to help push the club back into Europe.

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