Kurt Zouma has now claimed that one of his West Ham United teammates is the best he’s ever played with despite reports that he may now leave.
It promises to be a summer of change in east London following the appointment of Julen Lopetegui, who is already hard at work even before his start date.
Combining with Tim Steidten, the pair are aiming to make up to eight signings this summer, padding out a relatively small squad.
Lopetegui reportedly wants a 25-man-squad with strong competition throughout, whereas David Moyes was happy with a comparatively smaller group.
A centre-back is said to be on the agenda, likely someone who will play alongside captain Kurt Zouma.
Flamengo’s Fabricio Bruno is on the radar, even if interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia is reportedly complicating things.
Elsewhere, a deal for Palmeiras’ Luis Guilherme seems to be back on following a rocky 24 hours or so, and fans will hope to see him donning claret very soon.
That being said, to sign eight players, members of Lopetegui’s squad will also need to leave.
Kurt Zouma says Nayef Aguerd is one the best of all time after reports he could be sold
One of Zouma’s centre-back partners, Nayef Aguerd, is reportedly free to leave this summer.
Aguerd only joined the club in 2022 for a fee of £30m, but could be set for a departure with Atletico Madrid now interested in a deal.
That being said, Zouma has just sat down with West Ham to reveal his ‘all time XI of the best players he has played with’.
Shared on West Ham’s YouTube, Zouma only picked two West Ham teammates – Alphonse Areola and Aguerd.
And his comments on his Algerian centre-back partner were particularly interesting amid these reports that he could now be sold.
Zouma explained his choice: “Aguerd, because for me as a centre-back, he is the best left-footer I have ever seen.
“Not because he’s my friend, but also the quality that he has. He’s my friend, of course we’re tight but his left-foot is a joke for me and he’s got everything to be one of the best.
“He’s a good friend of mine as well but a top player, so I pick him.”
Of course, Lopetegui and Steidten will ultimately trust their own judgement if they do intend to sell the West Ham defender.
And if they do part ways, then any funds raised could be crucial for the club to invest elsewhere, perhaps signing a new striker.
And with that in mind, a striker West Ham wanted last summer is now unhappy and is ready to leave his current club.