West Ham United defender Kurt Zouma is now attracting interest from teams in Saudi Arabia as the Irons are not making any progress in talks over a potential new contract.
That is according to TEAMtalk, which reports that Zouma may emerge among the next batch of big-name players to switch to Saudi Arabia. Teams in the Middle East are attentive to talks between the 28-year-old and West Ham. They retain firm interest in signing the centre-back.
West Ham have held talks with Zouma about extending his stay at London Stadium after the Frenchman became their captain. David Moyes gave him their armband full-time for the rest of this term in September. Zouma has led the Irons following Declan Rice’s switch to Arsenal.
West Ham are stuttering in talks over Zouma’s new contract
Hammers chiefs are keen to now secure Zouma’s future as the 11-cap enforcer is only under contract until June 2025. West Ham handed the centre-half a four-year deal to join in August 2021 from Chelsea. He agreed to leave Stamford Bridge after seven years in a £30m swoop.
Zouma has remained an essential part of Moyes’ squad since arriving in east London. He has made 72 appearances across all competitions and has four goals plus one assist. Moyes also hailed Zouma as ‘exceptional’ in February 2022, given his strong and commanding presence.
Sides in Saudi Arabia are interested in the transfer of Zouma
West Ham may have to start considering Zouma’s future at London Stadium if they continue to stutter in talks over a new contract. Sides in Saudi Arabia are also showing firm interest in his transfer if Zouma does now become available for a potential move away from West Ham.
Moyes will no doubt demand that the Irons stand firm and do their utmost to retain Zouma. His importance at London Stadium may also allow the Hammers to hold on for a sizable fee from sides in Saudi Arabia. Al Hilal, after all, paid Fulham £46m to sign Aleksandar Mitrovic.
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