Figures close to the player have played down suggestions of strike action, insisting he is not taking matters that far, but there is internal concern and frustration at the club over his current attitude and application.
Uncertainty surrounding Paqueta has been apparent since last summer, when Aston Villa and Tottenham both made approaches. He ultimately stayed at West Ham, but it has become clear that his dedication to the cause may no longer be what it once was.
And now he is the centre of a transfer tussle, as Flamengo attempt to sign him.
Paqueta endured a difficult period in England while a betting probe was ongoing, and there is a belief that this experience is one of the reasons he is now keen to move away.
Sources indicate that there have been recent inquiries for Paqueta. Villa and Spurs have both made informal contact, while Chelsea are also understood to have a level of interest. Sources insist, however, that a move to another Premier League club is not on the cards.
West Ham would prefer to block a move altogether and have maintained that stance ever since a proposed return to Brazil began to gather momentum.
They anticipate further contact from Flamengo - where Paqueta began his career - in the coming hours, but are setting a high transfer fee that may price him out of a move.
The club already rejected an initial approach and value the player at close to £50 million.
It is understood that manager Nuno Espirito Santo has tried to persuade Paqueta to clear his head and see out the remainder of the season as West Ham battle against relegation.
There have been whispers emerging from the East London club that Paqueta could refuse to play again, though.
Once again, sources are playing down the suggestion of strike action, but time will tell whether he continues to train and prepare as normal with his teammates.
Flamengo are believed to be prepared to spend around £30 million at most, a figure West Ham consider too low.
Paqueta’s response to the situation will be closely watched, as West Ham are keen to avoid a high-profile confrontation and fall-out at a time when they are attempting to rebuild the squad and turn their season around.
The Hammers face rivals Tottenham this weekend in a huge fixture that could heap further pressure on the club.
Should Paqueta depart, he would need to be replaced - but this is certainly a distraction West Ham could do without right now.
