West Ham United very close to signing Fabricio Bruno as journalist declares love for London-bound ace

Brazilian journalist Vene Casagrande says West Ham United are "very close" to a deal with Flamengo for Fabricio Bruno.

Bruno, 28, is a centre-back and has been at Flamengo since 2022, when he joined from fellow Brazilian side RB Bragantino.

Casagrande reveals that the Hammers are closing in on a five-year deal for the defender.

Speaking on his YouTube channel (22 May), he said: "I really like him, but this proposal is irrefutable. The player is already 28 years old. I think it is very difficult for Flamengo to receive another proposal like this.

"In my opinion, you have to understand, I don't know what you think, but I love him. I repeat, I love Fabricio. Many fans have criticised me for praising Fabricio Bruno and I don't know why because Fabricio Bruno killed it in the Flamengo shirt since he arrived at Flamengo.

"A proposal like this one, for me, is irrefutable. It's coming now, he's for sale now and from what I found out there at Flamengo, the deal is very close to being signed and he's going to sign a five-year contract with the English team.

"Everything is well on its way, it's just a matter of time. Fabricio Bruno says goodbye to Flamengo and [will] play for West Ham in England."

Is Fabricio Bruno a good signing for West Ham United?

At first glance, Bruno appears to be a rather unusual signing for West Ham.

The central defender has spent the entirety of his career - which, at the age of 28, is close to a decade - in his native Brazil and has never played in Europe.

While it is not at all rare for talented players to be plucked from Brazil by European teams, they tend to be exciting young stars in their teens or early twenties.

However, it is clear that Bruno is highly rated in Brazil and, with the impending departure of veteran Angelo Ogbonna following the expiry of his contract, a space has opened up in the West Ham squad.

It may be that Bruno is not the only defender that arrives at the London Stadium this summer, with the squad set to undergo major surgery under incoming head coach Julen Lopetegui following David Moyes' exit.

In other West Ham news, Guillem Balague has launched a defence of Lopetegui.

For more West Ham news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.