Credit: Imago

Chris Smith

Tue 5 August 2025 9:13, UK

West Ham United’s move for goalkeeper John Victor appears to have moved a step closer, with Botafogo agreeing a deal for a replacement.

West Ham 'confident' of signing John Victor after improved bid submitted	Five players who could join West Ham after John Victor deal completed	Data shows why West Ham are finalising John Victor signing

Football Insider revealed on Monday (4 August) that the Hammers had sent an improved bid for Victor, who impressed during Botafogo’s run to the last 16 at this summer’s Fifa Club World Cup.

Graham Potter needs a major upgrade between the posts after Alphonse Areola made three errors leading to goals in the Premier League last season as West Ham finished 14th – making further high-profile gaffs during pre-season.

There is now real confidence at the London Stadium that a deal can be concluded for Victor, fending off interest from the likes of Aston Villa, Burnley and Wolves.

Neto spent last season on loan at Arsenal (Credit Imago)

Things seem to be accelerating, with Botafogo already making strides to secure a replacement for Victor.

According to Sky Sports (5 August), the Lone Star have agreed a deal with Bournemouth to sign Neto.

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The 36-year-old spent last season on loan at Arsenal following 63 appearances for the Cherries, who he joined from Barcelona in 2022.

It’s understood that Neto has flown straight to Brazil from Bournemouth’s pre-season tour of the United States – where they finished third in the Premier League Summer Series – in order to complete a medical with Botafogo.

Sky state that Neto was one Bournemouth’s highest-paid players and, indeed, the veteran picked up a £50,000 per week packet, according to Capology.

Douglas Luiz is out of favour at Juventus (Credit: Getty)

There’s another Brazilian who may be heading to the London Stadium soon, with West Ham showing an interest in Douglas Luiz.

The former Aston Villa man has struggled since joining Juventus last summer and recently faced disciplinary action for failing to show up to pre-season training.

However, his exploits in the Premier League remain fresh in the memory and he has no shortage of potential suitors, with West Ham, Man United, Everton and Nottingham Forest all showing an interest.

2023/24 Aston Villa statsDouglas LuizAppearances53Goals10Assists10Douglas Luiz’s stats from his final season with Aston Villa

It’s West Ham who appear to have made the first bold move, registering a ‘formal interest’ in bringing the midfielder in on loan.

That may be a difficult bargain to strike, with Juve recently telling Everton they must cough up £40million for a permanent transfer.

However, these are just the early stages of negotiations, with West Ham sure to remain in dialogue with Juventus in a bid to bolster their midfield with international quality.

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