Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel discusses Kurt Zouma’s future amid Jules Kounde transfer talk

Tuchel comments on Zouma's Chelsea future amid West Ham links

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Thomas Tuchel has given an update on centre-back Kurt Zouma amid speculation that he will be used as part of a swap deal to lure Sevilla defender Jules Kounde to Stamford Bridge. Chelsea have apparently already tabled an unsuccessful bid of £30million plus Zouma in exchange for Kounde.

The Blues are determined to bring the 22-year-old centre-back to west London and had hoped their offer would be enough to turn Sevilla’s head.

But Zouma is not keen on moving in the other direction anyway.

West Ham are apparently interested in signing the Chelsea defender, a move Zouma would favour as it would allow him to stay in the Premier League.

The 26-year-old started Chelsea’s 2-1 pre-season victory at Arsenal on Sunday afternoon but was replaced at half-time as part of a host of changes made by Tuchel at Emirates Stadium.

“Kurt was part of the team for half a year,” Tuchel said. “I know him exactly, what I can demand from him, what he can give to the team.

JUST IN: Saul Niguez sets Liverpool transfer deadline as Atletico Madrid slash price

“He was part of a very successful half a season. He was a very lively part of it, maybe not in minutes – but I want to remember he was a crucial member of the team that won 2-0 against Atletico, for example.

“So when he was needed, and he had some tough decisions against him, but he delivered.

“I know what he can deliver. It was his first 45 minutes of the season and from now on, we go.”

West Ham would be willing to pay up to £20m for Zouma according to football.london, but the Blues are apparently looking for £28m.

DON’T MISS
Lionel Messi ‘banned from Barcelona training’ as contract saga takes new twist [REPORT]
Man Utd give up on Declan Rice as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer eyes two more deals [GOSSIP]
Man Utd’s big transfer decision as Matt Judge ‘holds talks over three signings’ [RUMOUR]

Chelsea paid Saint-Etienne over £13m to sign the player back in 2014 but he has never been able to make the centre-back spot his own.

He did, however, receive regular gametime under Frank Lampard.

The 26-year-old previously enjoyed loan spells with Stoke City and Everton and would no doubt feature heavily for West Ham if he moved to London Stadium.

TalkSPORT’s transfer correspondent Alex Crook believes the deal to bring Kounde to Stamford Bridge will happen irrespective of whether Zouma moves in the opposite direction.

“I think Kounde will happen,” Crook told talkSPORT. “I think at the moment they are haggling over whether Kurt Zouma will be part of that deal.

“I think Zouma wants to stay in the Premier League. I know West Ham would be keen to sign him, but maybe not for the price Chelsea are looking for.”

Source: Read Full Article