A top international could be West Ham’s ninth signing of an incredible summer transfer window according to Fabrizio Romano.
West Ham United are still very much active in the transfer market despite having made eight signings.
Hammers News has been reliably informed by a top club source that West Ham could make up to three more signings this month.
But it will all depend on whether the same number of current players deemed surplus to requirements can be offloaded first.
Czech dup Tomas Soucek and Vladimir Coufal, midfielder James Ward-Prowse, strikers Michail Antonio and Danny Ings, flop Maxwel Cornet and inconsistent defenders Nayef Aguerd and Konstantinos Mavropanos are all available for transfer under the right conditions.
West Ham need to offload three of those – in addition to pushing through Kurt Zouma’s exit – in order to get further new signings in the door.
A central midfielder, a younger and pacy forward and another versatile defender who can play full-back and centre-back are wanted.
Depending on the money raised through any sales between now and August 30th, those incomings would most likely be loans with options or obligations.
Romano claims West Ham could sign top international next
The Hammers have been linked with a host of central midfielders.
The two most consistently linked of late have been Youssouf Fofana and Carlos Soler.
And the sights are reportedly narrowing on one in particular.
Monaco and France ace Fofana has been waiting for a move to Milan.
In a similar situation to that of Jean-Clair Todibo with West Ham, Fofana is holding out for the move to the Italian giants but they have been struggling to meet the asking price.
The difference this time, though, is that Milan seem to be on the verge of beating West Ham to Fofana.
Fabrizio Romano says it is nearly time for his trademark ‘here we go’ on that move.
“AC Milan are closing in on Youssouf Fofana deal!” Romano said.
“He’s just one step away. AC Milan improved the structure of their bid and the agreement with AS Monaco is now very close.
“Work in progress to get the deal done this week. Fofana only wanted Milan. Here we go, soon.”
While Fofana makes the Irons wait, Julen Lopetegui has zeroed in on someone he knows very well.
Lopetegui wants fellow Spaniard Soler as signing number nine
Now Romano has made an exciting claim about West Ham signing a top international.
Romano has confirmed that Soler, who was part of the Spain squad under Lopetegui, ‘could be the next one’ West Ham sign.
The PSG outcast has been heavily linked for several weeks.
And Lopetegui is said to have received positive feedback when speaking to Soler about a possible move to east London.
He is rated at around £15m by PSG and Romano says West Ham’s interest is concrete.
“That (Soler) is a concrete option for West Ham,” Romano told Give Me Sport.
“It’s true, he’s one of the names they have on their shortlist. And now, obviously they will also need to assess all the possibilities and consider all the options.
‘I think he could be the next one’
“They’ve been putting a lot of efforts into bringing in these new players in recent weeks. Now they are considering Carlos Soler, it’s true, it’s a possibility.
“I think he could probably be the next one.”
If technical director Tim Steidten can shift two or three out and bring in Soler for Lopetegui – and possibly one or two more – this will be the best window from any club across the Premier League.
At least as things stand.
Soler’s key feature is his versatility – something Steidten and Lopetegui have made clear is important to their overall transfer plan.
The 27-year-old brings creativity and consistency and is known for his excellent passing range, vision, and ability to control the tempo of a game – something West Ham continue to struggle with as they try to get more possession.
Soler is an all-rounder with a knack for scoring crucial goals and providing assists, particularly through set pieces. So if he does arrive it could be bad news for Ward-Prowse in particular. His work rate and tactical acumen – of which Lopetegui is well aware from their time together with Spain – mean Soler can play in various midfield roles, be it as a playmaker or in a more defensive capacity.
He is also known for his strong leadership skills.
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