Tim Steidten would love to sign £20m player for West Ham but deal looks unlikely

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Despite all of their excellent work in the transfer market this summer, West Ham United are still very active on deadline day, and Tim Steidten still has big hopes to improve the squad.

Julen Lopetegui wanted a squad overhaul when he arrived in the summer, and he’s certainly got one, West Ham now have a new look and the Spaniard’s plans have been backed.

And there’s no better example than with the developments around James Ward-Prowse on deadline day.

It was reported days ago that West Ham were willing to let Ward-Prowse leave, a player David Moyes was adamant on signing a year ago.

And Nottingham Forest and Southampton have been battling to sign Ward-Prowse, who was part of the England set-up not so long ago.

That being said, with Ward-Prowse available, West Ham still have plans to improve their options with an incoming signing. 

West Ham want Carney Chukwuemeka but may turn to Carlos Soler instead

West Ham have been chasing Carlos Soler over the past days, a talent who could definitely make an impression under Lopetegui.

However, it’s transpired that West Ham also want Chelsea’s Carney Chukwuemeka.

READ MORE: ‘Extraordinary’ player now set for surprise transfer despite recent West Ham offer

Journalist Jacob Steinberg shared a report earlier today explaining that the Hammers were making approaches for both, and had agreed a deal in principle for Soler.

Steinberg then replied to his own info on X saying a deal for Chukwuemeka, who Chelsea signed for £20m in 2022, is now looking unlikely.

He shared: “Deal for Chukwuemeka looking unlikely as it stands. Tim Steidten a huge fan of the Chelsea midfielder but West Ham struggling to get a move agreed.

“Carlos Soler poised to join instead.”

Perhaps West Ham fans will be happy getting either player through the door, but it appears that it was the former Aston Villa man who Steidten really wanted.

West Ham also registered interest in Giovani Lo Celso at Tottenham

In one of deadline day’s more surprising stories, West Ham also made a move to sign Giovani Lo Celso.

The Tottenham midfielder is free to leave north London right now, in fact, he may not even be registered in Spurs’ Premier League squad according to reports.

It’s clear to see why West Ham would be interested in Lo Celso, who presents a fairly similar profile to Soler.

But it ultimately seems as if that’s not a deal with any legs, and Lo Celso may head abroad instead.

Either way, it will be a fascinating last few hours to watch unfold, and perhaps Steidten still has a surprise up his sleeve.