West Ham United are making significant strides as the summer transfer window nears its close, with only 10 days remaining. The club has already secured eight new signings, but the focus is now on whether Spain midfielder Carlos Soler will become the ninth addition to Julen Lopetegui’s squad. Recent developments indicate that West Ham’s transfer activity might not be over yet, as the club remains actively engaged in the market, with several potential deals still on the table.
### West Ham Eyeing Multiple Signings Before Transfer Deadline
Hammers News exclusively reported last week that West Ham could potentially bring in up to three more players before the window shuts. However, this ambition hinges on the club’s ability to offload a few existing squad members. Not only would this generate additional funds, but it would also free up space on the wage bill, allowing Lopetegui to further shape the team in his vision.
### The Pursuit of Carlos Soler and Defensive Reinforcements
The ongoing speculation surrounding West Ham’s interest in Carlos Soler has been heating up. The Hammers have been linked with a host of players, including Jhon Duran, Samu Omorodion, Tammy Abraham, Arnau Martinez, and Trevoh Chalobah. However, the focus remains squarely on Soler, whose versatile midfield capabilities have caught the eye of Lopetegui. The new West Ham boss is keen to bring his fellow Spaniard to the London Stadium, seeing him as a crucial piece in the club’s future success.
Reports suggest that while there has been talk of West Ham wrapping up their transfer business for the summer, a well-placed insider revealed that the club is still exploring “lots of possibilities” for new signings before the August 30th deadline. However, these deals are contingent on player departures, making the next few days critical for the Hammers’ transfer strategy.
### Lopetegui’s Urgency to Strengthen the Squad
West Ham’s start to the season under Lopetegui has been less than ideal, with a 2-1 defeat at home to Aston Villa highlighting some of the squad’s deficiencies. While there were moments of promise, it became evident that some of the older players are struggling to keep up with the increased quality within the team. This has led to growing calls from the fanbase for further reinforcements, particularly in midfield and the forward line.
The need for a young, pacey striker to compete with Niclas Fullkrug has been identified as a priority. Additionally, with the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Lucas Paqueta’s future and concerns about the contributions of James Ward-Prowse and Tomas Soucek in open play, another midfielder is also on the club’s radar.
### Soler Deal Hinges on Player Exits
West Ham’s pursuit of Soler appears to be gaining traction, with reports indicating that talks between the club and Paris Saint-Germain are progressing well. The two sides are reportedly negotiating a loan deal with a mandatory purchase option valued at between £15-17 million. Lopetegui is particularly eager to secure Soler’s services, viewing the former Valencia man as an ideal fit for his tactical setup. Soler, who is equally adept in defensive and attacking midfield roles and renowned for his set-piece prowess, is seen as a significant upgrade to West Ham’s midfield options.
However, the finalization of this deal is heavily dependent on West Ham’s ability to move on certain players, particularly high earners like Kurt Zouma and Nayef Aguerd. Both players are reportedly on the transfer list, with the club actively seeking to offload them to make room for Soler. Zouma, who is on a hefty £125,000 per week wage, is a priority for the Hammers to move, as shedding his salary would be instrumental in balancing the books and securing Soler’s arrival.
Dubai-Based Agent Facilitating Key Exits
In a critical development, it has been revealed that a Dubai-based agent is working to facilitate the exits of Zouma and Aguerd. According to West Ham insider Sean Whetstone, Cantera Sports Agency, which now represents both players, is reaching out to Middle Eastern clubs in an effort to find new destinations for the duo. The successful offloading of these players could unlock the funds needed to bring Soler to West Ham, with Zouma’s departure seen as particularly crucial.
The Countdown Begins: Will Soler Join the Hammers?
As the transfer window ticks down, West Ham fans are eagerly awaiting news of player departures, knowing that these exits could pave the way for Soler’s arrival. The excitement is palpable, with supporters hoping that the club can pull off this significant coup. With Lopetegui’s clear intent to strengthen the squad further, the next 10 days promise to be a crucial period for West Ham as they look to finalize their summer business and bolster their ranks ahead of what promises to be a challenging season.