“SHOCKING £8.6M DEAL SEALED! Kurt Zouma’s STUNNING Return to Stardom CONFIRMED – Ex-West Ham Captain to DOMINATE Euro Giants!”
Arsenal Could Provide Crucial Career Boost for Former Premier League Defender Kurt Zouma
As Arsenal’s pursuit of Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyökeres stalls, the club may need to shift focus and re-evaluate their options in the transfer market.
Meanwhile, Kurt Zouma, one of six seasoned professionals released by West Ham United on July 1st, is attracting attention elsewhere.
Having spent the 2024/25 season on loan at Qatari side Al-Oroboh, the former Hammers captain is now a free agent, along with Vladimir Coufal, Lukasz Fabianski, Aaron Cresswell, Michail Antonio, and Danny Ings.
However, Zouma’s time as a free agent may be short-lived. Spanish outfit Valencia are reportedly exploring the possibility of bringing the experienced centre-back to La Liga.
The expected departures of defenders Cristhian Mosquera and Yarek Gasiorowski are creating a need for defensive reinforcements at the Mestalla.
Valencia are reportedly keeping Zouma in mind as they continue negotiations with both Arsenal and PSV Eindhoven.
Mosquera remains on course for a move to the Emirates Stadium, despite Arsenal’s initial £15 million offer being turned down.
Valencia are believed to be holding out for a fee closer to £20 million, according to The Mirror.
In contrast, talks with PSV were far more straightforward. The reigning Dutch champions have already secured an £8.6 million agreement to sign Gasiorowski.
The young defender was even spotted en route to the Netherlands earlier this week.
Valencia’s financial situation remains delicate under unpopular owner Peter Lim, though signs of optimism are emerging.
The long-delayed Nou Mestalla stadium is expected to finally open in 2027, and manager Carlos Corberán guided the team to a stable mid-table finish last season.
Nonetheless, budget constraints are evident in their transfer strategy.
The club is targeting free agents and affordable options to fill their growing defensive void.
In addition to Zouma, reports from Plaza Deportiva suggest that Valencia are also looking at Victor Lindelöf, who has left Manchester United after a lengthy spell at Old Trafford.
Other possible targets include Antonio Raíllo of Mallorca and Getafe’s Djene Dakonam, both of whom have just one year left on their current contracts.
If both Mosquera and Gasiorowski complete their expected exits, Valencia could begin the 2025/26 season without their two starting centre-backs from last term.
Arsenal are likely to return with an improved offer for Mosquera soon, while Gasiorowski’s departure to PSV appears imminent.
As for West Ham, the club has turned the page on Zouma’s chapter. The French international spent four years in East London, making over 100 appearances and playing a key role in the club’s 2023 Europa Conference League triumph.
However, his off-field controversy involving animal cruelty led to him being stripped of the captaincy and ultimately loaned out.
In June, West Ham issued a formal statement confirming Zouma’s release, expressing gratitude for his contributions.
“West Ham United would like to acknowledge Kurt’s contribution to our historic European success and thank him for his commitment and hard work in claret and blue,” the club stated.
With Zouma now available, Valencia may move swiftly to secure his signature as they prepare for a significant reshuffle in defence.
