Thomas Tuchel has told Football London that Kurt Zouma’s situation at Chelsea is ‘very different’ to Callum Hudson-Odoi’s amid rumours West Ham want to sign him.
Sky Sports reported that West Ham are keen to bring the hard-hitting defender to the London Stadium this summer and that he is keen on the move.
Zouma was in action for Chelsea during their pre-season friendly win against Arsenal on Sunday.
And Tuchel, who was asked about Zouma’s future, seemed to talk in glowing terms about the player, as he stated that he was ‘very lively’ in the part he played for the club last season.
“Kurt comes from a very different situation,” said Tuchel. “Kurt was part of the team for half a year, I know him exactly, what I can demand from him, what he can give to the team. He was part of a very successful half a season.
“He was a very lively part of it, maybe not in minutes but I want to remember he was a crucial member of the team that won 2-0 against Atletico, for example.
“So when he was needed – and he had some tough decisions against him – but when he delivered. So the situation isn’t comparable to Ruben (Loftus-Cheek).”
It’s quite clear that Chelsea want to make moves in the transfer market, both in the forward areas and in defence.
That would require parting ways with some of their star men and that could possibly be Zouma.
One thing is for sure, the Lyon-born player needs minutes under his belt and if Chelsea bring Jules Kounde to the club then that surely limits his chance of earning regular minutes next season.
That’s when West Ham should perhaps pounce because they need more quality and depth added to their squad as they prepare for Europe.
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