Transfer News: Chelsea Defender Open To Join West Ham; Valuation Seen As Predicament

KEY POINTS

West Ham needs to meet Chelsea’s valuation to acquire Kurt Zouma
Zouma is also eyed by Tottenham to improve its defensive line
West Ham is also working on Vladimir Coufal's contract extension

Chelsea and West Ham United are engaged in talks for Kurt Zouma, but it appears a deal is far from getting close.

The reason behind it is because the offer from the Hammers is far from the valuation set by the Blues on the French player.

The 26-year-old is entering the final two years of his deal with the Blues since arriving at Stamford Bridge in 2014.

West Ham is ready to pay £20 million ($27.9 million) for Zouma, but those numbers are below the asking fee that Chelsea wants for the Frenchman, Sky Sports reported.

With that said, negotiations could turn the tide. But this early, Zouma is reportedly settled in the capital and would prefer to go via that route than being included in a potential swap deal that would send him to Spain.

This is concerning another transaction where Chelsea has been talking with Sevilla in a deal involving Jules Kounde. Zouma would be part of that player-plus-cash deal.

So far, Zouma has appeared in 150 games for the Blues and has accumulated 10 goals.

He also has two English Premier League titles, 3 FA Cups, a League Cup, and a UEFA Champions League tucked under his belt.

However, his place in the rotation of Thomas Tuchel took a different turn in January.

Since the change at the helm, the French defender has played only 13 times across all competitions with Tuchel opting to use Antonio Rudiger instead.

Aside from West Ham and Sevilla, another team where Zouma could end up is Tottenham.

The Hotspurs are looking to improve their defense, and the center-back is someone who could aid Nuno in that department.

Super Zouma: Kurt Zouma (left) celebrates scoring Chelsea's second goal in a 3-0 win at Burnley POOL / MOLLY DARLINGTON

The Hammers continue to address their defensive line and are reportedly in talks with Vladimir Coufal.

Both sides are discussing a new contract, but nothing has gained ground.

It appears the right-back from the Czech Republic was not impressed with the initial contract offer despite an impressive showing in the Premier League last season.

The 28-year-old joined West Ham United in October 2020 from Slavia Prague on a three-year deal worth £5 million ($6.98 million).