West Ham united could seal a double deal worth £57 million this summer, and it would drastically improve us.
Julen Lopetegui has plenty of work to do this summer, if he is to guide West Ham back into European competition for next season.
The Spaniard is plotting a big overhaul at the London Stadium this summer, and is targeting at least six new signings.
Lopetegui is said to be aiming to complete the majority of his business by the time our pre-season campaign begins on July 20th.
One of the key areas where the 57-year-old Hammers boss needs to strengthen is his central defensive department.
Kurt Zouma has regressed badly and his physical capabilities are basically non existent now due to persistent knee problems.
Meanwhile, Nayef Aguerd is simply not suited to the physical and intense nature of Premier League football.
Both players could be sold this summer (The Express), and Lopetegui needs to make big upgrades on the pair, if he is to oversee some real progress at the London Stadium.
Judging by recent reports, that’s exactly what could be about to happen…
Stunning £57m double deal would improve West Ham overnight
So the Hammers are said to be hot on the tail of two centre-backs in particualr.
First up is Udinese central defender Nehuen Perez, who is apparently keen to join West Ham this summer.
The 23-year-old would be a huge upgrade on Aguerd, what with his physicality, aggression and tenacious tackling.
He’s five years younger than the Moroccan as well, so that would help massively in reducing the average age of the Hammers squad.
In addition to that, he’s valued at just £17 million – at least £3 million less than West Ham reportedly could sell Aguerd for (Claret and Hugh).
Then we come to Lopetegui’s prime target – Max Kilman of Wolves.
The 27-year-old centre-back is believed to be a £40 million West Ham target this summer, and he’s head and shoulders above Zouma.
Don’t get me wrong, the Frenchman was a great player in his heyday, but his knees are shot to bits now. The sooner Lopetegui moves him on the better, and Kilman is the man to replace him.
In 37 Premier League appearances for Wolves this season, the 27-year-old averaged 1.3 tackles, one interception, 4.8 clearances and 2.6 successful aerial duels.
He made 60.3 passes per game and recorded a completion rate of 86% (Who Scored).
The towering Wolves defender is a better player than Zouma, and he’s more than two years younger than the Frenchman.
A stunning £57m double deal for Perez and Kilman, with both Aguerd and Zouma being shipped out would be a great way for Lopetegui to strengthen his West Ham backline.
And it shouldn’t be too costly for the Hammers either, as long as we manage to recoup decent fees for the Moroccan and the Frenchman.
READ ALSO:
Julen Lopetegui ‘in love’ with 26yo, personally asks West Ham owners to make £13m bid for him
Julen Lopetegui wants to sign 25yo striker who scored vs West Ham on his PL debut last season
West Ham to push through £8.5m move to sign 24-year-old after Tim Steidten recommendation