In a recent tweet, renowned journalist Julien Maynard revealed that West Ham United are facing stiff competition for Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma this summer. It is understood that the Hammers will have to rival Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace in pursuit of the French centre-back during this summer transfer window.
https://twitter.com/JulienMaynard/status/1421402804883755012
Zouma’s Impressive Form In English Football Last Season
Zouma had a solid campaign at the West London club as he managed to establish himself as a dominant centre-back under the tutelage of Thomas Tuchel. The Lyon-born talent netted five goals in 36 matches for Chelsea last season in multiple competitions.
The French powerhouse was a decent contributor on the defensive end of the field after he averaged 0.7 tackles, 1.2 interceptions and 3.8 clearances per game in the Premier League. The 26-year-old even interchanged possession relatively well from the back based on his pass completion rate of 90.9% in the English first division (stats via whoscored).
Zouma’s current contract at the English capital runs out in the summer of 2023. At the moment, he has fallen behind the likes of Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen and Thiago Silva in Tuchel’s pecking order. Thus, the Frenchman can benefit from sealing a move away from Stamford Bridge in search of more game time in the coming seasons.
Should The Hammers Launch A Move For Zouma This Summer?
Zouma can be a reliable defensive presence at the back when he is playing regularly on the field. He is a strong tackler of the ball and has got the hunger to earn possession back for his team. The eight-time France international can use his robust 1.90m frame to dominate the opposition in the air and can pass the ball well out from the back. However, he is prone to making errors at the back as he has got a heavy first touch which can sometimes make him a liability on the field.
Even then, West Ham should think about bringing Zouma to the London Stadium as he will enhance the quality of Moyes’ match-day squad and could help the Hammers challenge for a top-four place in the Premier League over the next few seasons.
Zouma has what it takes to compete with Angelo Ogbonna, Craig Dawson and Issa Diop for a regular starting place at East London. At 26, the Chelsea defensive ace is currently playing at his prime, so Moyes can expect to make the most of his talents in the years to come. Hence, West Ham should think about launching an offer to sign Zouma before the transfer window slams shut at the end of this month.
