West Ham are finally closing in on their second signing of the summer transfer window...

What's the word?

According to renowned Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Irons are on the verge of signing Chelsea centre-back Kurt Zouma in a €30m (£25.5m) deal.

"West Ham are closing on Kurt Zouma deal with Chelsea for €30m, the agreement is now at final stages also on player side," he tweeted. "Last details to be completed then done deal.

"Chelsea are working to submit new official bid for Jules Koundé once Zouma will join West Ham."

It's no secret that the centre-back position has been the top priority for manager David Moyes before next week's deadline and now it appears that he has got his man, at long last.

Several weeks ago, reports emerged suggesting that the 26-year-old defender had actually rejected a move to the London Stadium, though that does not seem to be the case anymore.

Finally another signing?

This latest update from Romano will leave many in east London absolutely delighted, especially the fanbase as they have been crying out for more additions before August 31st.

Up until now, the Hammers had only signed one senior player, a new backup goalkeeper in the form of Paris Saint-Germain's Alphonse Areola, who is yet to feature since joining on loan.

After the departure of Fabian Balbuena at the end of last season, a spot has opened up in the backline and Zouma is certainly going to be a perfect fit.

The France international, who made Didier Deschamps' Euro 2020 squad this summer, has racked up over 200 appearances across the Premier League and both of UEFA's top two European competitions, which could prove vital in West Ham's Europa League quest this season.

Similarly, none of Moyes' current options can rival his aerial presence (3.6 duels won per game in 2020/21), whilst only three other centre-backs were better at playing the ball out from the back after he averaged a 90.6% passing accuracy, as per WhoScored.

It's no wonder many fans want to see the Chelsea star signed - as relayed by The Transfer Tavern, one member of the Hammers faithful claimed it would be a "good signing", whilst another urged the club to pay up what's required.

Now with the Irons moving ever so much closer to securing his signature, they will surely be even more delighted heading into the final week of the transfer window.

AND in other news, ExWHUemployee drops PAI Capital claim...