West Ham United could make a move for Chelsea centre-back Kurt Zouma. The French defender could be on his way out as the Blues are looking to free up space and funds to boost them in their bid to sign Sevilla defender Jules Kounde.
Daily Mail has reported that the Hammers could make a bid of around £20 million for the 26-year-old. The price tag is reportedly less than what Chelsea want for the defender. Zouma is keen on staying in England and is especially looking forward to moving to a London club.
The Frenchman has been with Chelsea since 2014, having joined from Saint-Etienne for around £12 million. Zouma has two years remaining on his current deal at the London club. He had earlier spent two seasons on loan at Stoke City and Everton in the Premier League.
Kurt Zouma: A smashing move by the club?
West Ham United seem to be interested in signing at least one top level central defender ahead of the 2021-22 season, as they were also recently linked with a move for Manchester United’s Phil Jones. Kurt Zouma is the latest to be linked with a move to the London Stadium, who are looking for additions ahead of a gruelling season, which includes them competing in the Europa League.
Kurt Zouma could be a very good addition to the West Ham backline as he has the talent and experience to thrive in David Moyes’ side. The French defender is quick, strong, and good in the air, and is a good passer of the ball as well.
Zouma averaged 1.2 interceptions per game last season, while he won 3.6 aerial duels per game as well. He was also very good at passing from the back, averaging a whopping 70 passes per game, completing 90% of those passes. He also has the ability to play the ball long and begin attacks for his team, which could be a useful tactic to employ. Hammers striker Michail Antonio is quick and likes to get in behind the defence and Zouma could take advantage of that trait.
The Chelsea defender will likely slot straight into the West Ham starting XI and could play alongside one of Craig Dawson or Angelo Ogbonna, while Issa Diop is another option for Moyes too. The West Ham manager will need to sign another centre-back as he has just three first-team central defensive options in Dawson, Ogbonna and Diop following the departure of Fabian Balbuena.
Kurt Zouma is just 26 years of age but has already played seven seasons in the Premier League. His prime years are ahead of him and he could be a fantastic acquisition by West Ham. The Hammers are likely to be asked to fork out north of £20m but the board will be aware of the talent they are trying to get on board.
