West Ham United want to sign Udinese star Nehuen Perez
West Ham have joined the transfer race to sign Udinese’s Nehuen Perez this summer, according to Gianluca Di Marzio.
The Italian journalist reported via his personal X account [10 June] that multiple teams have shown an interest in the Argentine centre-back, though the Hammers have carried out an “initial survey”.
At 23 years of age, Perez has become an integral part of the Serie A side’s squad since arriving from Atletico Madrid, initially on a loan in 2021 before the move was made permanent.
West Ham United target Nehuen Perez as centre-back option
The 23-year-old has been a standout defender in Italy’s top flight for the past three seasons, continuing to impress in defence as Udinese continue to finish mid-table.
But the riches of the Premier League might be too diffult for Perez to turn down and a move to the London Stadium this summer could be the next step in his career.
The centre-back has been used to a back-three at Udinese, which might be a concern for some if he is to become an Iron, with Julen Lopetegui usually opting for a back-four formation.
However, with two caps for Argentina, that would be a small reason not to sign the defender this summer, especially considering the current issues that Lopetegui is set to inherit.
David Moyes’ defence was slated throughout the 2023/24 campaign, with Kurt Zouma, Nayef Aguerd, Konstantinos Mavropanos and Angelo Ogbonna making up the centre-back quartet.
The latter’s time in London is coming to an end, with Ogbonna set to leave upon the expiration of his contract later this month while Aguerd has been linked with a move to Atletico Madrid.
Tim Steidten’s scouting trips to South America have seen the club attempt to sign Flamengo’s Fabricio Bruno, though that deal fell through spectacularly.
Perez looks to be another South American target, but the 23-year-old has much more experience in the top European divisions, and played Europa League football during the 2020/21 season.
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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