It seems like Chelsea are finally making room to go after Sevilla's Jules Kounde. Center-back Kurt Zouma is on the verge of signing for Premier League rivals in a $35 million move, according to Sky Sports.

The French international, who was called up by Didier Deschamps for the upcoming international window, would leave the club after seven years since his arrival from Ligue 1 side Saint Ettiene.

Zouma hasn't taken part in either of the two 2021/22 Premier League fixtures, seeing both games from the bench. His departure is understood to be part of Thomas Tuchel's ambition of landing Kounde.

Kurt Zouma to leave Chelsea and become Premier League rivals' highest-paid player

Kurt Zouma wouldn't have to make a long trip as he is reportedly close to joining London rivals West Ham, who have made him their priority target to boost their defense this season.

Kurt Zouma is reportedly on the verge of joining London rivals West Ham. (Getty)

In fact, The Athletic reported he would earn £125,000 per week, becoming the Hammers' best-paid player. Zouma has started in Chelsea's UEFA Super Cup win over Villarreal at the beginning of the season, but doesn't have much space in the starting lineup with the likes of Antonio Rudiger, Thiago Silva, Cesar Azpilicueta, and Andreas Christensen ahead of him.

Zouma, 26, faces a huge opportunity to see regular first-team action staying in the same city and performing for a team that capped a great season in 2020/21 under David Moyes.