West Ham have completed six signings in this transfer window. The Hammers signed Brazilian winger Luis Guilherme, 33-year-old keeper Wes Foderingham and Max Kilman in early July.
Recently, Julen Lopetegui's side added Leeds United winger Cryscencio Summerville, Borussia Dortmund forward Niclas Fullkrug and brought in Argentina star Guido Rodriguez on a free transfer. In terms of outgoings, Said Benrahma joined Lyon, Thilo Kehrer signed for Monaco and Ben Johnson joined Premier League new boys Ipswich Town.
French defender close to leaving West Ham
And recently, GetFrenchFootballNews has reported that another player is set to leave West Ham as well. According to the report, French centre back Kurt Zouma is very close to join the UAE Pro League. West Ham are selling the defender to make way for new signings.
Previously, it was suggested that West Ham will need to sell one of Kurt Zouma or Nayef Aguerd before making any new centre back signing. Thus, by selling Zouma West Ham are highly likely to bring in a centre back as well.
The Hammers had been trying to sign Nice's Jean-Clair Todibo and had a bid accepted by Nice as well but Juventus interest in the player has made him give priority to a move to Juventus. Recently, La Liga side Villarreal are close to sign Salzburg centre back Oumar Solet who was also on the West Ham shortlist. Other options like Chelsea's Trevoh Chalobah and Toulouse defender Logan Costa are also highly appreciated at West Ham.
Recently, it was revealed that West Ham are one of the many clubs interested in signing FIFA World Cup 2014 winner Mats Hummels on a free transfer. The 35-year-defender has been among the top centre-backs in the last ten years and currently is available on a free transfer after his Borussia Dortmund contract ended in June.
If West Ham manage to sign Hummels, his experience can be the key West Ham need to achieve a top six place finish in the Premier League to qualify for European football next season. It remains to be seen which centre back will West Ham sign but the departure of Kurt Zouma means that a new centre back will arrive at the London Stadium this summer.