Serie A club Udinese will reportedly demand €20 million to sell 23-year-old Argentine international Nehuen Perez, a target for West Ham United.
According to a report by Gazzetta dello Sport, as relayed by Sport Witness, Nehuen Perez is the subject of interest from West Ham United. The Hammers are scouring the market for a centre-back heading into the summer transfer window. Meanwhile, Udinese will demand around €20 million to part ways with the Argentine international.
Who is Nehuen Perez?
Nehuen Perez has established himself as one of the best young defenders in Serie A since joining Udinese from Atletico Madrid. A native of Hurlingham, he spent his formative years in his homeland before graduating from the Argentinos Juniors youth division. Atletico Madrid snapped him up in July 2018, but he could not manage a single appearance for Los Rojiblancos.
However, Perez’s fortunes have transformed since joining Udinese from Atletico Madrid. The 23-year-old has turned out nearly 100 times in the last three years, with 36 appearances coming in the 2023/24 season. The Argentine defender has also broken into his national team, making his debut in September 2022.
Perez’s progress at Udinese has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several well-known clubs across Europe. A move to the Premier League might be on the cards, with West Ham United keen on signing him in the summer transfer window. Meanwhile, the youngster will not cost a bomb, with Udinese demanding €20 million to part ways with him.
London calling?
West Ham United’s interest in Nehuen Perez is understandable. The Hammers are scouring the market for a centre-back heading into the summer transfer window. With Angelo Ogbonna well into his thirties and Nayef Aguerd facing an uncertain future at the London Stadium, West Ham can do with a new central defender.
Recent reports have also claimed that the East London club might listen to offers for Kurt Zouma. So, several centre-backs, including Vitao, have emerged on West Ham United’s radar. However, Perez is also a viable target, with his price tag of €20 million making him an attractive option.
It will be interesting to see if West Ham will meet Udinese’s valuation of the player. Coughing up €20 million to sign a highly-rated and promising young centre-back makes sense, and a deal for the Argentine international might be on the cards.
