West Ham boss Nuno Espirito Santo an admirer of Alverca defender Bastien Meupiyou | OneFootball

West Ham United manager Nuno Espirito Santo is an admirer of Alverca defender Bastien Meupiyou, according to The Athletic.

The Hammers are set to lose key defenders this summer, and the Portuguese wants quality replacements at the London Stadium.

Jean-Clair Todibo has vowed never to play for him again, while Arsenal are keen on Konstantinos Mavropanos.

West Ham are desperate to secure an instant return to the Premier League from the Championship and will need quality signings this summer.

The 6ft 3in defender is attracting interest from several high-profile clubs after last season’s outstanding campaign in the Portuguese top-flight.

The 20-year-old Frenchman has been nominated for this year’s Golden Boy award and a move to England appeals to him.

Meupiyou would be a guaranteed starter for West Ham given his huge potential, and the chance to possibly play in the Premier League next year will appeal to him.

The former Nantes star spent 2024-25 with Wolverhampton Wanderers but never made a first-team appearance.

Meupiyou has played for France at youth level, and he dreams of representing his country at senior level.

A move to England could boost his chances, but it is unclear if the Hammers will make a concrete move for him this summer.

They have started pre-season preparations but a major squad overhaul is on the cards.

Nuno’s squad will not start taking shape until much later in the summer transfer window.

Meupiyou could prove to be a solid signing, but they will face competition from elsewhere.