West Ham launch new £25m transfer bid as summer plans ramp up

West Ham United have made a significant move in the transfer market, launching a £25.4m bid for Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo.

The 24-year-old center-back has emerged as a top target for new Hammers boss Julen Lopetegui, who is looking to revamp his backline this summer.Todibo, a former Barcelona player, has been a key figure for Nice since joining the Ligue 1 outfit in 2021. He has made over 125 appearances for the club and has attracted interest from several top clubs, including Manchester United and Tottenham.West Ham’s initial bid has been rejected by Nice, but the Hammers are weighing up whether to return with an improved offer.

The club is keen to strengthen its defense, which conceded more goals than any other Premier League side last season.Todibo’s potential signing would be a significant coup for West Ham, who are looking to build on their impressive finish to last season. The defender’s experience and quality would be a welcome addition to the Hammers’ backline, which has been weakened by the departure of veteran Angelo Ogbonna and the uncertainty surrounding the futures of Nayef Aguerd and Kurt Zouma.

Nice is willing to sell Todibo this summer, and West Ham is not the only club interested in his services. Manchester United have also been linked with the defender, but a move to Old Trafford is unlikely due to UEFA’s rules around multi-club ownership. Sir Jim Ratcliffe, whose petrochemical company Ineos owns Nice, has a 27.7% share in United, which complicates any potential deal.Ratcliffe has expressed his frustration with UEFA’s rules, which he believes are unfair on the player.

The Nice owner has stated that the club is willing to sell Todibo to another Premier League club, but not to Manchester United. This has opened up an opportunity for West Ham to sign the defender, and the Hammers are likely to return with an improved offer.West Ham’s pursuit of Todibo is a clear indication of their ambition to strengthen their squad this summer. The club has already been linked with several top players, including Wolves captain Max Kilman, and is expected to make several significant signings in the coming weeks.The transfer saga is far from over, with Nice holding out for a higher price and West Ham assessing their options.

One thing is certain, however: Jean-Clair Todibo is a highly sought-after player, and his destination will be closely watched by fans and pundits alike.In a summer of significant change at West Ham, the signing of Todibo would be a major statement of intent from the club. With a new manager at the helm and a renewed focus on strengthening the squad, the Hammers are looking to make a big impact in the transfer market. The signing of Todibo would be a significant coup, and would provide a major boost to the club’s ambitions.

As the transfer window heats up, West Ham fans will be keeping a close eye on developments. The club’s pursuit of Todibo is a clear indication of their ambition to strengthen their squad, and the signing of the Nice defender would be a major statement of intent. With several top clubs interested in his services, the transfer saga is far from over, but one thing is certain: Jean-Clair Todibo is a player in high demand, and his destination will be closely watched by fans and pundits alike.