Transfer News: Chelsea stubborn regarding Kurt Zouma price tag as West Ham remain keen
According to a report by 90min (h/t Daily Star), Chelsea are sticking to their valuation of Kurt Zouma despite ‘slow negotiations’ over a possible exit this summer.
The Blues value him at £25million and have been in negotiations with London rivals, West Ham United, through the course of the summer transfer window. However, Zouma remains a Chelsea player as of now.
The 2021 UEFA Champions League winners’ valuation of their 26-year-old defender has caused problems before this summer, especially regarding their pursuit of Jules Kounde.
The Guardian reported last month that Chelsea offered Zouma in a cash plus player deal for Sevilla’s 22-year-old centre-back. However, the La Liga outfit refused to accept Chelsea’s valuation of the defender.
Zouma on his way out?
A number of Blues players have profited from Thomas Tuchel’s arrival this January. But there are also a handful of individuals that have seen a reduction in playing time under the ex-PSG manager.
Zouma saw considerably less Premier League action in the second half of last season as compared to the first half. And it is evident that the Blues would not be against letting him leave if a team meets their valuation.
But fans may wonder if what Chelsea are doing right now is beneficial in the long run. Marc Guehi and Fikayo Tomori have already departed in permanent transfers and Thiago Silva turns 37 this year.
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- Transfer News: West Ham reopen negotiations for Chelsea star Kurt Zouma
- Transfer News: Liverpool steal a march on Chelsea target Saul Niguez
Letting Zouma leave, who is one of the younger centre-backs at the club right now, can come back to haunt them in the near future, especially if the club fails to bring in a quality first-team defender capable of replacing him.