Walker-Peters’ impending arrival is part of a broader reshaping of West Ham’s defence. Earlier this week, the club finalised the £19 million signing of Senegalese centre-back El Hadji Malick Diouf from Slavia Prague. In addition, they have confirmed French defender Jean-Clair Todibo will remain at the club permanently following a successful loan spell. These additions reflect West Ham’s determination to address their defensive gaps, which leaked 62 goals, the most by a club which managed to stay afloat in the English top-flight.