West Ham could be closing in on signing number nine of the summer transfer window according to a new report from Spain.
West Ham are still on the hunt for signings in the final 11 days of the transfer window.
That was confirmed to Hammers News last week when the possibility of West Ham signing as many as three more players was mooted.
A top club source has now reaffirmed that the Hammers remain in the market for new players as long as two or three can be shipped out.
It was clear in West Ham’s opening day defeat to Aston Villa that the squad is still lacking in midfield and up front.
When it’s not happening for Lucas Paqueta – as was the case in the Villa defeat despite his penalty conversion – West Ham sorely lack creativity.
It is one of the key reasons Julen Lopetegui has been heavily linked with PSG midfielder Carlos Soler.
Club ‘in shock’ after being told star is joining West Ham
In an in-depth interview ahead of the Villa clash, Lopetegui insisted he still wants more arrivals at West Ham.
That’s after the Spaniard stated he wants two players in every position – and admitted the club are yet to achieve that.
Lopetegui also said he speaks to targets in detail before moving for them to ensure West Ham are signing the right players and characters with ambitions and motivation that align with the club.
Reports in Spain about West Ham’s interest in Soler of late have claimed that Lopetegui has spoken to his compatriot about moving to the London Stadium.
It is thought Kurt Zouma’s impending departure could help free up space on the wage bill for a loan with obligation move for Soler.
There was encouragement for the Hammers regarding Soler when PSG made his future clear at the weekend.
Now it seems there may have been a significant development in the wake of the defeat to Villa.
‘Soler informs Real Sociedad he’s joining Hammers’
Because a La Liga side are ‘in shock’ after being told the star is now about to sign for West Ham.
Soler is also wanted by Real Sociedad, who believed they had a strong chance of signing the 27-year-old midfield all-rounder.
Talks had taken place and the Sociedad board were convinced they were set to sign the Hammers target.
But according to a new report from Spain, Real Sociedad have been informed Soler has chosen to join West Ham.
El Gol Digital claims the news has left Sociedad in a ‘state of shock’.
“Real Sociedad are in a state of shock after learning of Carlos Soler’s decision to join West Ham United, rejecting the offer from the Basque club,” the report claims.
“The Spanish midfielder, who seemed convinced to sign for Real, has finally opted for the team managed by Julen Lopetegui.
“This news has come as a bucket of cold water in San Sebastian, where Soler was expected to become a key reinforcement for next season…
Soler to ease Alvarez pain for Hammers?
“PSG, willing to let Soler go for a figure close to 20 million euros, have found a buyer in West Ham willing to meet their financial demands. This unexpected turn of events has left Real Sociedad without one of its priority targets, forcing the club to look for new alternatives in the market to strengthen its squad.”
The news comes as claims emerge that key Hammers midfielder Edson Alvarez may not feature again until the middle of October.
Soler is a superb all-round central midfielder who specialises in creating chances for teammates both in open play and from set pieces.
West Ham may only be able to afford his £16m fee if they can raise funds through sales.
But any imminent deal will likely centre around a loan with an obligation to buy – like West Ham did with Nice for Jean-Clair Todibo.
This coming week or so could be very interesting indeed.
