Kurt Zouma could be finished at London Stadium as West Ham United transfer update emerges
Kurt Zouma’s West Ham career could be finished as Julen Lopetegui and Tim Steidten continue to target more reinforcements this summer.
The French centre-back was one of David Moyes’ favourites during the 2023/24 campaign, wearing the captain’s armband for the majority of the season, but was regularly criticised by supporters and pundits for his performances.
Zouma would normally be partnered up with Nayef Aguerd or Konstantinos Mavropanos, neither of which worked seamlessly as the Hammers only conceded fewer goals than Luton Town, Burnley and Sheffield United.
While football is a team sport, the 29-year-old centre-back was regularly singled out, and Lopetegui must ensure he replaces him during the summer transfer market.
However, the latest transfer news at the London Stadium suggests that the club are already close to a transfer that could see Zouma’s three-year stay with the Irons end.
Kurt Zouma to be replaced by Nehuen Perez at West Ham United
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport [13 June, page 35], Udinese’s Nehuen Perez has edged closer to a move to West Ham, with the player said to be “heading towards London”.
The Argentine is an extremely exciting centre-back option, who has been impressing in Serie A since arriving from Atletico Madrid, initially on loan in 2021 before making the move permanent.
At 23 years of age, Perez has become a regular figure at Udinese, starting 36 of their 38 league matches as they steered away from the relegation zone.
The centre-back has also claimed two caps for Argentina, most recently earning one in a 3-0 victory over El Salvador in March, playing the full 90 minutes.
While Zouma is currently the club captain, he was not always the calm and commanding presence required from a skipper when the going got tough, causing a lot of frustration among the fanbase. This recent update could spell the end of his career at the London Stadium.
In other West Ham news, Dharmesh Sheth has issued an update on a Hammers player who’s now being pursued by a rival Premier League club.
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