West Ham United head coach Julen Lopetegui is prioritizing a summer move for Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Carlos Soler, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who shared the news with GIVEMESPORT.
Romano reports that Lopetegui is actively working to bring Soler to the London Stadium as part of his Premier League preparations, believing that Soler has the potential to thrive in English football.
The Italian journalist suggests that Soler could soon become West Ham’s next acquisition in an already remarkable summer transfer window for the east London club.
Following a disappointing ninth-place finish last season, the Hammers have been eager to strengthen their squad with new talent. They have already added eight new players, including Max Kilman, Crysencio Summerville, Niclas Fullkrug, Luis Guilherme, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Guido Rodriguez, Wes Foderingham, and Jean-Clair Todibo.
More signings are expected before the transfer window closes on August 30.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka was the latest to join West Ham, with the club announcing on Tuesday that the 26-year-old signed a seven-year contract after leaving Manchester United.
However, Lopetegui and technical director Tim Steidten are still in the market for additional reinforcements.
Soler Identified as the ‘Perfect’ Solution for West Ham
Romano, speaking to GIVEMESPORT, revealed that Lopetegui is particularly keen on securing Soler’s signature:
“What I’m hearing is that Julen Lopetegui is pushing a lot to have Soler.
He believes that Soler could be a perfect solution and a perfect player for the Premier League with his skills. I think he could probably be the next one [signing].”
Soler joined PSG from Valencia in 2022 but has struggled to secure a regular starting spot at Parc des Princes.
Described as “dangerous” by Luis Enrique, Soler has been linked with a move away throughout the 2023/24 season.
Aston Villa expressed interest in signing the central midfielder in January, and Brighton & Hove Albion are also reportedly interested, according to L’Equipe.
The 27-year-old Soler, who has three years remaining on his PSG contract, made just 12 Ligue 1 starts last season and found it challenging to make an impact under Luis Enrique.
With new signings Gabriel Moscardo and Joao Neves increasing competition for places, Soler might welcome a move away from the French capital.
According to Le Parisien, West Ham would need to pay over £17 million to acquire Soler this summer.
Abraham Targeted by West Ham
West Ham is also among four clubs interested in signing Roma striker Tammy Abraham, according to Football Insider.
The Hammers face competition from Bournemouth, AC Milan, and Atalanta for the former Chelsea forward, who is expected to leave Stadio Olimpico after a tough 2023/24 season.
Abraham, who had to recover from an anterior cruciate ligament injury, started only two Serie A games last season for Roma and is reportedly available for as low as £25 million this summer.
Lopetegui reportedly sees Abraham as an alternative to Aston Villa forward Jhon Duran, whose potential move to West Ham fell through earlier in the window.
