Chelsea FC transfer news: Kurt Zouma turns down loan move to Valencia with defender determined to stay put

1 Kurt Zouma is keen to stay at Chelsea

Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma’s proposed loan switch to Spanish side Valencia has hit the buffers, with the France international intent on fighting for his place at Stamford Bridge.

The 22-year-old has been identified as Valencia’s number one transfer target this summer, with Chelsea willing to let the defender leave on a temporary basis.

However, according to Cadena Ser, Zouma’s desire to stay at the Blues is scuppering Valencia’s hopes of completing a deal.

Zouma wants to fight for his place in the Chelsea starting XI next season, despite the arrival of fellow defender Antonio Rudiger from Roma.

Valencia have guaranteed the Frenchman regular first-team football in an attempt to revitalise his career, following a lengthy spell on the sidelines after picking up a bad knee injury in February 2016.

It remains to be seen whether Zouma will reconsider Valencia’s proposal, but it appears the defender has his heart set on staying put despite stiff competition for places in Antonio Conte’s squad.