Juventus have also shown strong interest in Todibo and a move to the Old Lady had been the player’s preferred move. But the Serie A giants have been unable to provide Nice with an acceptable financial package, allowing West Ham to pounce on their lapses.
Julen Lopetegui’s side are now set to land Todibo on an initial loan with a buy-option worth in the region of £34m (€40m). Nice have also successfully negotiated a sell-on clause that will entitle them to future profit.
West Ham thought they had lost out on Todibo altogether when he made it abundantly clear he wanted to play Champions League football, but he has remained a top target for the London club all summer and they have continued to work on convincing the player to join the club in the background as his preferred move to Juventus stalled.
It is understood technical director, Steidten flew to France to close the deal on Thursday and the Frenchman is said to have joined him on his return flight to London to undergo a medical check after an agreement was reached on personal terms.
The 2023 Conference League winners will not play in European competition this season, but expectation is building as Julen Lopetegui looks to assemble a squad capable of building on the foundations laid by David Moyes’ successful four-and-a-half-year tenure.
In addition to pursuing Todibo, the Hammers are continuing to work on a deal for United right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who is available for transfer as the Red Devils look to free up a space for Bayern Munich‘s Noussair Mazraoui.
