There has been an exciting development for West Ham as director takes the Matias Soule deal into his own hands.
In their quest for another young, versatile attacking star, West Ham have set their sights on Juventus-owned star Matias Soule.
The 21-year-old Argentine was one of the best attackers in all of Serie A while on loan at Frosinone last season.
Likened to Angel Di Maria, Soule is a very dangerous operator who can play in a variety of positions across the attacking line.
Last week it was reported that West Ham have a ‘concrete interest’ in Soule.
That developed very quickly into official talks as West Ham held a meeting with Soule’s agent in London.
£8-10m West Ham difference not discouraging Juve
By Friday, it was being reported in Italy that the Hammers were the club most serious about signing Soule with Juve looking to offload him to help fund moves for two players.
There has reportedly been around £8-10m difference in valuations between the £20m West Ham are willing to pay for Soule and what Juve want.
But there’s excitement for West Ham as a director takes the Soule deal into his own hands.
According to a new update from TuttoSport, Soule wants to come to the Premier League.
And Juventus sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli is focusing on trying to sort a deal with West Ham despite the gap in valuations.
It all centres around Juventus’ eagerness to sign Teun Koopmeiners from Atalanta.
Director takes Soule West Ham deal into his own hands
“The market has not yet officially started, but it is normal that there are already negotiations and situations set up to anticipate the competition,” the report states.
“Juventus is working to deliver the first reinforcements to Thiago Motta as soon as possible and thus begin the meeting with most of the training completed.
“In this sense there really seems to be a direct channel with the Premier League for the Bianconeri because Giuntoli is working to bring Douglas Luiz from Aston Villa to Turin (McKennie and Iling Junior are the counterparts to lower the financial demands) and in the meantime he is dealing with the interest he has is receiving from West Ham for Soule…
“The negotiations could take a long time because finding a solution is not at all simple, the Koopmeiners idea is always there around the corner and Juve is looking for the funds.”
Talks with Soule himself – should it reach that stage – will not be complicated for West Ham.
Because he has been left out of Argentina’s Copa America squad despite scoring 11 goals and laying on three assists in 36 Serie A games last season.
Soule wants Premier League move too
Soule posted an average match rating of well over 7/10, which is hugely impressive for a player of that age, in that position.
Like West Ham’s first capture of the summer – Brazilian teenager Luis Guilherme – Soule can play across several attacking positions. That would give Julen Lopetegui an abundance of options with how he sets West Ham up.
A left-footed right winger, noted for his dribbling ability and set-piece taking, TeamTalk journalist Ben Mattinson reckons Juve will settle for £25m for Soule.
“An ability to take on players like no other but more impressive is his football IQ and understanding of the game,” Mattinson said.
“He reads the game so well and judges what it needs. Soule is able to change the game in so many different ways.
“Great at taking on players to get shots off. He can cut inside on his left to whip accurate crosses in the box and create chances for teammates.”
