Report: Manager wants to keep £38m West Ham attacking target but he must be sold for financial reasons

West Ham United are poised to be active in the summer transfer window as they seek to bolster their squad under new manager Julen Lopetegui. Following a challenging 2023/24 campaign, the Hammers are eager to reinforce their ranks and provide Lopetegui with the necessary tools to ensure a successful season.West Ham have already made their first signing of the summer, acquiring Luis Guilherme from Palmeiras.

Recently, they have been linked with Juventus attacker Matias Soule, a highly-rated talent in Serie A. According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Juve’s new head coach Thiago Motta values Soule highly but is willing to sacrifice his role at the club to raise funds for new signings.Soule, a 21-year-old Argentine forward, impressed on loan at Frosinone last season, scoring 11 goals and providing three assists. His performances have drawn comparisons to Lionel Messi, and he is now a sought-after talent in the transfer market. In addition to West Ham, Aston Villa, who will be competing in the Champions League, are also reportedly interested in Soule.

Juventus is seeking a fee of around €45million (£38million) to sell Soule, while West Ham is planning a bid of €30million (£25.3million), which may not be sufficient to secure his services. The Hammers will need to be mindful of the competition for Soule’s signature, particularly from Villa, who can offer Champions League football.Lopetegui’s vision for West Ham is expected to shape their transfer strategy, and the addition of Soule would be a significant coup for the club.

With the transfer window now open, West Ham fans can expect more updates and developments in the coming weeks as the Hammers look to strengthen their squad and prepare for the new season.In the midst of transfer speculation, West Ham’s first preseason friendly under Lopetegui saw them face Luton Town at Molineux, providing an opportunity for the new manager to assess his squad and identify areas for improvement. As the summer transfer window unfolds, West Ham will be keen to secure their top targets, including Soule, to bolster their chances of success in the upcoming campaign.