West Ham target Matias Soule prefers Roma despite Hammers meeting Juve’s asking price

West Ham United are ready to stump up the asking price for Juventus attacker Matias Soule, according to Calciomercato. However, the player is keen on a move to AS Roma.

Soule had a terrific 2023/24 campaign, notching 11 goals and three assists (eight big chances created) in 36 Serie A appearances for a Frosinone side that suffered relegation.

His performances caught the attention of several clubs, including the Hammers, Leicester City, and Roma.

The Argentine playmaker is intrigued by the Premier League but wants to remain in Italy, hence his preference for Roma.

Roma cannot meet Juventus’ demands of €30-35 million for the attacker. Only Leicester and West Ham can afford to shell out that sum, but they have not come forward with a bid because the player does not want to leave the Italian top flight.

Interestingly, Juventus have threatened to demote Soule to their Next Gen squad if he doesn’t choose to move to the Premier League. It remains to be seen how this saga ends.

West Ham do not need Soule

While Soule is a talented young attacker, West Ham should prioritise strengthening other areas of the squad.

Jarrod Bowen already thrives on the right wing, and the recent acquisition of Luis Guilherme provides further depth in that position.

With Lucas Paqueta potentially set to take a lengthy ban, the Hammers should focus their resources on securing a top-class left-winger to balance the attack and ensure a potent threat on both flanks.

The Irons also need a striker and will be better served spending their funds on that front.

Top target Youssef En-Nesyri is inching closer to joining Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce. West Ham must find a new target and seal a deal immediately.

The Hammers should spend their funds on a new left-winger or striker rather than another right-winger. West Ham also need to steer clear of players desperately pining for other clubs.