Chelsea set to apply for £3m court claim relating to Zouma move

London club to apply to High Court for money relating to previous sale of defender to West Ham in 2021

Blues considering legal action after dispute over performance-related and loyalty add-ons

Chelsea are reportedly set to apply to the High Court in a bid to collect a £3 million payment from West Ham relating to the previous transfer of defender Kurt Zouma. The Blues sold the France international to the Hammers in the summer of 2021 for a fee in the region of £29.8 million. However, there were also several clauses inserted into the deal relating to performance-related add-ons and loyalty payments. As per Football Insider, Chelsea are yet to receive the full amount agreed and are now considering legal action. The club will apply to the High Court to request the money owed, which is said to amount to around £2.5 million in performance-related add-ons and £500,000 in loyalty payments. Chelsea had hoped to resolve the issue without resorting to legal action, but they have been left with no choice but to pursue the matter in court. The Hammers are likely to contest the claim, arguing that they have fulfilled all of their obligations under the terms of the transfer agreement. However, Chelsea are confident that they have a strong case and are hopeful of recovering the money they believe they are owed. The Blues are said to be particularly disappointed with the Hammers' conduct in this matter, given that they have a good relationship with the club. However, they feel that they have no choice but to take legal action in order to protect their financial interests.