Tuchel breaks silence on Zouma's Chelsea future

The Blues defender’s future is up in the air amid reports of a potential swap deal with Sevilla, involving Jules Kounde.

Thomas Tuchel has noted Kurt Zouma’s quality and impact from last season but remains non-committal on the Chelsea defender’s future.

Reports surfaced at the end of last month alleging Chelsea had included Zouma as part of a player-plus-cash offer to Sevilla for Jules Kounde, a defensive target high up on Tuchel’s list.

Chelsea are working to find a solution with Sevilla as soon as possible to sign Jules Koundé. He’s the priority after personal terms agreed, and Chelsea want him to join. 🔵 #CFC

Kurt Zouma still discussed in the deal, but Chelsea want go through also if Zouma won’t be included.

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 31, 2021

While the German nor the club have confirmed these reports, Zouma’s future appears in doubt. The 26-year-old’s preference is to stay in the Premier League amid links to West Ham.

That said, he featured in Chelsea’s 2-1 friendly win over Arsenal on Sunday and earned praise from Tuchel.

The Chelsea manager gave his take on Zouma after reporters asked him if the Frenchman is fighting for his Blues future like Ruben Loftus-Cheek.

“Kurt comes from a very different situation,” said Tuchel as quoted by Football London.

“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.

“Ruben needs to show now everything in some weeks if that’s possible. For Kurt, it’s different, as I know what he can deliver. It was his first 45 minutes of the season and from now on, we go.”