West Ham would appear to be closing in on the signing of Chelsea central defender Kurt Zouma this month.
The Hammers are desperately attempting to bolster the defensive ranks before the transfer window deadline has passed this time next week.
Having been on the verge of landing Nikola Milenkovic from Fiorentina earlier in the summer before a dramatic U-turn saw the Serbian stay put, the Irons have switched their focus to French international Zouma.
According to reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano on a Twitch stream (24/08/21, 11:20pm), the deal could be the catalyst for a move elsewhere.
Twitter: Chelsea are prepared to submit an official bid for Jules Koundé in the next hours. Chelsea will proceed once Zouma-… https://t.co/kd3VY4ICvr (@FabrizioRomano)
Romano said: “Let’s see what happens. They [Chelsea] are on final details for both deals. Once they sell [Kurt] Zouma to West Ham then they will sign [Jules] Kounde. But first Zouma will move to West Ham. The next few hours are very important but they are on it.”
Last season the eight-times capped Frenchman made 36 appearances across all competitions but is yet to feature in the Premier League this season.
READ WEST HAM VERDICT
Signing a centre-back before the end of the month is essential if West Ham are going to compete for European places once again this season.
Albeit David Moyes’ side have made a perfect start to the new campaign with two wins from two, the squad is at its freshest right now.
Once Europa League football and domestic cups are added to the league schedule the ranks will be tested to their fullest and without additions will struggle to cope.
Valued at £28.8million (Transfermarkt) and with an abundance of top-flight pedigree, Zouma would appear to be the ideal candidate to strengthen the options.
