Zouma has been a first-team squad member since arriving in the summer of 2014. He has made 71 appearances for the Blues so far and scored four goals.

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.’

The 22-year-old has won the Premier League twice since joining from St Etienne three-and-a-half years ago. He was also part of the team which beat Tottenham in the League Cup final in 2015.

A serious injury in February 2016 ruled him out of competitive action for a lengthy period, but he was gradually reintroduced to the side and returned early this year. Zouma then played an important role in our run to the FA Cup final, as well as featuring regularly towards the end of our successful league campaign.

Since moving to west London, the popular defender has made his senior France debut and he was a member of Didier Deschamps’ squad for their recent games against Sweden and England.

He links up with former Blues striker Mark Hughes at Stoke.