Tuchel confirms Zouma in talks with West Ham as Chelsea chase Kounde

Stefan Bienkowski

• 27 Aug 2021 14:19 BST
• 3 min read

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has confirmed that the club are currently negotiating a price with West Ham over the sale of central defender Kurt Zouma.

The French defender played a bit-part role for the Stamford Bridge side last season, making 36 appearances across all competitions for the club.

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However, Zouma was rarely a first-choice pick by Tuchel once the German manager took over the reins in January and has spent much of the summer being linked with a move away from the club.

Despite being linked with a number of clubs in England and on the continent, the Hammers emerged as the most likely destination and now seem intent on signing Zouma before the transfer window closes.

"There are negotiations between West Ham and Chelsea for Kurt,” said Tuchel in a press conference on Saturday.

“He is not with us because he has family issues to solve and we allowed him to travel to France."

Why are Chelsea selling Zouma?

As previously mentioned, Zouma was neve considered a first-choice central defender for Tuchel and is likely to be replaced before the window shuts.

When asked about more signings in Friday’s press conference, Tuchel was reluctant to confirm anything but admitted there were some moves that could still be done.

“We still have some ideas and we are trying,” said the German manager. “Not all decisions are taken. There are negotiations going on.”

In this case, the Chelsea manager is undoubtedly referring to the club’s attempts to sign Sevilla defender Jules Kounde in the coming days.

The French talent is expected to complete a move to Stamford Bridge as part of a £43 million move, that will surely offer Tuchel the necessary depth in the centre of defence and provide more quality than Zouma could offer.