David Ornstein: West Ham and Chelsea strike verbal agreement for Kurt Zouma transfer
West Ham United and Chelsea have now struck a verbal agreement for the transfer of Kurt Zouma, according to The Athletic journalist David Ornstein.
The Hammers are ready to part with £25.8million for the signature of the France international centre-back, but agreeing personal terms with him remains a stumbling block.
Zouma, 26, wants a significant salary increase from what he currently earns at Chelsea to about £125,000 per week.
He would become the highest-paid player at West Ham if that happens, and that is currently preventing the proposed deal from getting over the line.
Boost
West Ham badly need a centre-back, and with the club ready to meet the Blues’ asking price, we have to admit this is a massive boost.
Whether we are ready to meet Zouma’s demands remains to be seen, but the Frenchman should be thinking about playing regularly right now and not increased wages.
David Moyes’ side cannot afford to rely on three centre-backs for the whole season, and bringing in a quality one is much-needed.
Should a move work out, Zouma will become an undisputed starter in our team.
He has proven his quality and expertise over the years in the Premier League, and he is an upgrade on the current options at West Ham.
Joining us boosts his chances of playing for France at the World Cup next year after spending the European Championships on the bench, and Zouma should be personally pushing to get this deal over the line and not haggling over wages.
In other West Ham news, Hammers ace unhappy with club after major summer development.
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