The first signing of the Julen Lopetegui era at West Ham United appears to be drawing ever closer.
West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui seems to be intent on bolstering his ranks at the London Stadium before the start of the new season.
We’ve already told you how the Spaniard plans on bringing at least six new faces to the club this summer.
David Sullivan has allegedly given Lopetegui the remit of getting the Hammers back inside the top six, and the Spaniard is allegedly prioritising moves to sign a centre-back and a striker in order to help him do just that.
West Ham’s leaky defence conceded 74 Premier League goals last season – the fourth worst tally in the division and only the three relegated clubs let in more.
Because of that, I would suggest that signing a top-class central defender should be right at the very top of Lopetegui’s summer agenda.
And it appears as though that is very much the case…
West Ham in talks for first Julen Lopetegui signing
The 57-year-old is clearly trying his utmost to bring in signings early ahead of our pre-season games this summer.
And one man has been firmly in the Hammers’ sights all summer long.
The Hammers appeared to be all set to sign Fabricio Bruno, when Fabrizio Romano gave his famous ‘Here We Go’ seal of approval to the deal.
In spite of that, the move subsequently broke down due to the South American centre-back’s extortionate demands (The Mirror).
However, the Evening Standard claims that West Ham are still in talks to sign the 28-year-old Brazilian for £12.5 million.
That said, the Hammers are still struggling to agree personal terms with Bruno.
Bruno is a very solid defender, is tenacious in the tackle and incredibly comfortable with the ball at his feet.
I think he’d be a decent addition for us. Whether or not he’ll end up being the first Julen Lopetegui signing at West Ham remains to be seen though.
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