West Ham United are eyeing a summer swoop for Chelsea outcast Kurt Zouma, who faces an uncertain future at Stamford Bridge.
According to Daily Mail, West Ham are considering a move for Kurt Zouma, as David Moyes eyes reinforcements in the defensive unit. The Chelsea defender has been identified as an ideal target, with the club even ready to fork out £20 million for the services of the French centre-back.
Formerly of Moyes’ old club Everton, Zouma has been deemed surplus to required by Thomas Tuchel at Chelsea. The Blues are even open to using him as a makeweight in deal to sign top target Jules Kounde. But the Frenchman is keen on staying in London rather than moving to Sevilla, which has put West Ham on red alert.
The Hammers are in the market for new defenders this summer in their bid to not only impress in the Premier League but also in the UEFA Europa League. They have recently roped in Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Alphonse Areola, following a successful loan spell at Fulham last season.
Zouma, too, has a vast amount of experience in English football, having mustered a total of 165 Premier League appearances during his time at Chelsea, Stoke City and Everton. Unfortunately, the 26-year-old has fallen out of favour under Tuchel, starting in only seven matches last season and falling behind the likes of Thiago Silva, Cesar Azpilicueta and Antonio Rudiger in the pecking order.
His role in the first team is set to diminish further, with Chelsea keen on bringing Kounde from Sevilla. It opens the door for Zouma to eye a move elsewhere, with West Ham appearing to be an ideal destination.
There is currently a dearth of reliable long-term defensive options Moyes at the moment. Winston Reid, Angelo Ogbonna and new signing Craig Dawson are well past their 30s. Therefore, Zouma shouldn’t have any difficulties challenging for a regular place in the first-team next season.
Even for Chelsea, the Frenchman’s potential move to West Ham should bode well as it will improve the relationship between the two clubs. It might be helpful in the long run, especially with the Blues having a long-standing interest in one of their star players in Declan Rice. The two parties have already been in talks over a potential summer switch, but the Hammers are determined to keep hold of their prized asset.
