Kurt Zouma joins West Ham United after a successful seven-year spell at Stamford Bridge with Chelsea
The France international had loan spells at Stoke City and Everton where he grew into a top-class centre-back
Chelsea received £29.8m from West Ham for the defender who was deemed surplus to requirements by Thomas Tuchel
On the other hand, the Blues want to sign Sevilla defender Jules Kounde before the transfer window closes

West Ham United have completed the signing of defender Kurt Zouma from Chelsea for a reported fee of £29.8million.

Zouma, who leaves Chelsea after seven years, has signed a four-year deal with the West London club.

Chelsea have been wanting to cash in on the 26-year old to free up funds for more transfer activity before the close of the summer transfer window.

A deal was agreed as early as Friday, August 27 and the only thing standing in the way of the announcement was a medical and personal terms of the contract.

"I'm very happy and very proud," said Zouma after sealing the transfer as per BBC.

"My conversation with the manager went very fast. I just felt like he really wanted me to come and join the team, especially a good team that's started the season very, very well.

"With the great season that West Ham had last year, that gave the team a lot of confidence to improve this year - and I want to help the team do that."

During his time at Chelsea, Zouma had loan spells at Saint-Etienne, Stoke City and Everton.

Once he was integrated into the Chelsea side, he managed to win two Premier League titles, a Champions League and a league cup in his time at Stamford Bridge.

In total, he has represented Chelsea 151 times, scoring 10 goals.

Chelsea still in pursuit of Kounde

The Zouma deal will play out well for Chelsea, who are in pursuit of Sevilla defender Jules Kounde.

Sevilla are however maintaining their stance on Kounde, whom they want his release clause of £68.5m (€80m) to be paid in full.

Kounde did not travel with the Sevilla squad for the game against Elche on Saturday, August 28 and reports suggest personal terms have already been agreed with Chelsea ahead of the close of the transfer window on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Legit.ng had earlier reported that Davide Zappacosta has finally completed a permanent move to Serie A side Atalanta after a frustrating spell with Chelsea, Chelsea, Sky Sports.

The Italian wing-back moved to Stamford Bridge four seasons ago under Antonio Conte but failed to make an impression.

The 29-year-old spent the last two seasons on loan with Roma and Genoa and even endured a lengthy knee injury in the process.

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