Kurt Zouma: West Ham in talks over deal for Chelsea defender but move proving problematic
Kurt Zouma has been West Ham's primary target for a defensive addition this summer and Chelsea could make move for Jules Kounde if deal with West Ham is concluded with enough time left in the transfer window
Thursday 26 August 2021 12:14, UK
West Ham remain in talks with Chelsea over a deal to sign Kurt Zouma but the move is proving complicated and problematic to complete.
Personal terms and the structure of the payment have been the biggest obstacles during talks between the two Premier League sides.
The clubs are negotiating a fee in the region of £25m for the France international, who has not featured in either of Chelsea's Premier League games so far this season, and all parties involved are hopeful a deal can still be done.
Zouma has been David Moyes's primary target for defensive strengthening all summer, although the Hammers have also been linked with Fiorentina's Nikola Milenkovic and Marseille's Duje Caleta-Car, and the club are keeping all options open in their recruitment for a central defender.
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The 26-year-old has been with Chelsea since January 2014, when he joined the club from Saint-Etienne.
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Zouma scored five goals last season, which was one of his most prolific in terms of appearances until Thomas Tuchel took over as head coach from Frank Lampard.
He was an unused substitute in the opening two Premier League games of this season, wins over Crystal Palace and Arsenal - but did start the Super Cup clash with Villarreal.
West Ham would need Zouma registered by midday on Friday for him to be available for their clash with Palace this weekend.
Could Kounde replace Zouma at the Bridge?
Zouma's departure could lead to the arrival of another defender, with Chelsea having consistently been linked with Sevilla's Jules Kounde.
Sky Sports News reported last month that Kounde, one of Europe's most promising defenders, and Chelsea had been in talks but he remains a Sevilla player for now and has started both of their LaLiga games this season.
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