Julen Lopetegui’s West Ham team is gearing up for the new Premier League season, set to play their first match against Aston Villa this weekend.
This season brings a wave of excitement for Hammers fans as it marks the team’s adoption of a new style of play.
The club has brought in a host of new players, many of whom might make their competitive debuts for West Ham this weekend.
These include Max Kilman, Crysencio Summerville, Niclas Fullkrug, Luis Guilherme, Guido Rodriguez, Wes Foderingham, and Jean-Clair Todibo.
Moreover, West Ham might still see the arrival of two additional defenders during this transfer window.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka is currently undergoing a medical to join from Manchester United, and there’s talk of another central defender joining if Kurt Zouma departs.
In terms of transfer news, reports from Italy last week suggested that West Ham is interested in Nantes defender Nathan Zeze.
Nantes reportedly values the 19-year-old at £30m, a figure that is believed to be negotiable.
Inter Milan is also said to be interested in Zeze. However, reports indicate that the valuations between the clubs are “very distant,” making a move to England more likely than a switch to Italy.
Further details emerged from ExWHUemployee via his Patreon on Sunday, revealing that the Hammers have identified Zeze as a target for this month.
Zeze made 13 appearances in Ligue 1 for Nantes last season, playing over 1,000 minutes and contributing to two clean sheets.
How Zeze compares to Kurt Zouma
Standing at 6 feet 3 inches, Zeze has been described as “incredible” by scout Jacek Kulig, who praised the youngster’s talent.
Like Zouma, Zeze’s physical frame is impressive, particularly considering his age of just 19.
Similar to another French defender, Leny Yoro, who secured a big move this summer, Zeze has a comparable duel capacity.
Zeze actually won more aerial duels than Yoro last season, averaging 3.5 per 90 minutes compared to Yoro’s 2.58.
Zeze also brings a calmness on the ball that Zouma lacks, despite their 10-year age difference.
The 19-year-old manages more passes per 90 minutes, more progressive passes, and more passes into the final third, demonstrating the bravery to break lines with his passing.
Defensively, Zeze also stands out, winning a higher percentage of his aerial duels than Zouma, who is regarded as one of the Premier League’s better aerial players.
One key difference between the two is their preferred foot: Zouma is right-footed, whereas Zeze is left-footed.
This could present a challenge, as new signing Kilman and Nayef Aguerd are also left-footed central defenders, potentially leaving a shortage of right-footed options.
If West Ham can figure out a way to effectively utilize at least two of their left-footed center-backs, possibly in a back three formation, this deal could be highly beneficial.
Replacing Zouma with a more progressive and comfortable passer who has significant potential could prove to be a smart move for the club.
