Kurt Zouma, Chelsea Agree to 6-Year Contract, Will Go to Stoke on Loan

Stoke City completed the loan signing of centre-back Kurt Zouma from Chelsea on Friday, with the France international agreeing a six-year deal with the Blues before moving to the bet365 Stadium for the upcoming season. 

The Potters confirmed the move for the 22-year-old defender, who was pleased with the move:

Per Chelsea's official website, Blues technical director Michael Emenalo said: 

"It is fantastic Kurt has chosen to commit his future to Chelsea. He has shown his talent since joining us three years ago and has returned from a serious injury with a fantastic attitude.

"Now he has the opportunity to play regularly in the Premier League, and we will be monitoring his progress closely while he is at Stoke."

Zouma is one of the most talented young defenders in Europe, but he struggled with injury in 2016-17 and made only three starts in Chelsea's triumphant Premier League campaign, per WhoScored.com.

As a result, reports emerged earlier in July that Blues manager Antonio Conte wanted him to go out on loan for 2017-18 to earn more game time, but it was claimed Zouma wished to stay at Stamford Bridge, per L'Equipe (via Get French Football News).

The Potters have now tempted him away from west London, though, and he should be a major asset for manager Mark Hughes. 

The former Saint-Etienne man is a significant physical presence in the penalty area, while he also boasts fine positioning and a cool head.

After making 23 league appearances in 2015-16 for Chelsea and impressing, it seemed inevitable he would become a senior defender at Stamford Bridge in no time, particularly given the advanced state of John Terry's career.

However, under Conte last term, David Luiz, Cesar Azpilicueta and Gary Cahill became the club's first-choice centre-backs in a 3-4-3 system.

Zouma's injury meant he could not battle for a place for the majority of the season, and he will now be eager to prove that he deserves a first-team spot at a top club.