Lucas Paqueta to Newcastle United was the transfer rumour that refused to disappear this summer. The playmaker's friendship with Bruno Guimaraes and a Tyneside visit in May fuelled speculation of another blockbuster move.
Arsenal were also said to be in the hunt for Paqueta, who had rebuilt his reputation with Lyon following a difficult spell at AC Milan. But in the end, it was the Hammers who landed the Brazil international in a club-record deal in the closing days of the window.
Paqueta was one of three marquee arrivals at the London Stadium, with deals for Nayef Aguerd and Gianluca Scamacca taking the total spend comfortably in excess of £100 million. However, it has been a difficult start to the season for David Moyes' side who currently sit just one point above the relegation zone.
