West Ham have endured a difficult season so far in the Premier League, to say the least.
Sitting on just 14 points after their first 21 matches, the East London side can attribute what little success they have enjoyed to only a handful of players, with Lucas Paquetá certainly among that group.
That said, with the January transfer window now well underway, it appears the 28-year-old could be eyeing a late escape, according to Transfer News Blitz writer Joe Matthews.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Sunderland transfer news: Ferland Mendy linked in ambitious move
SEVEN FROM SAFETY
West Ham have accumulated just 14 points all season, made up of three wins and five draws, leaving them pointless in 13 matches.
This leaves the Hammers 18th in the Premier League table, seven points adrift of Nottingham Forest in 17th – the same number of points West Ham have managed to collect in total since early November.
Paquetá, meanwhile, appears to be struggling to see light at the end of the tunnel. Recent reports from Fabrizio Romano suggest that personal terms have already been agreed with Brazilian side Flamengo, a move that would allow the midfielder to avoid a relegation on his CV.
It is understood that the player is pushing for the switch, though the final decision ultimately rests with the club.
LOSING A KEY CREATOR
Two players stand out as West Ham’s most influential this season: Lucas Paquetá and Jarrod Bowen, who have registered five and seven goal contributions respectively.
In fact, with those two – alongside a somewhat rejuvenated Callum Wilson, it would appear that attacking is not where Nuno Espírito Santo’s side are suffering most.
West Ham have scored more goals than Sunderland in 10th, and the same number as Crystal Palace in 13th.
Instead, it is at the back where the problems lie. Possessing the worst defensive record in the league, having conceded a staggering 43 goals already, losing one of their key creative outlets could pile further misery onto an already grim campaign.
With each passing gameweek, it feels increasingly likely that West Ham could be heading for a return to the Championship for the first time since their promotion back to the top flight in the 2011/12 season.
READ NEXT: Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo joins Man City £64m deal
