Stoke-on-Trent (England), Jul 22 (IANS): French international defender Kurt Zouma has joined English Premier League (EPL) football club Stoke City from reigning league champions Chelsea on a season-long loan.

"Stoke City are delighted to announce the signing of Kurt Zouma on a season-long loan from Premier League champions Chelsea," the club confirmed on Friday.

The 22-year-old centre-back has figured in 47 appearances for Chelsea before he was loaned to French club A.S Saint-Étienne.

Commenting on the signing, club manager Mark Hughes said: "Kurt is undoubtedly one of the most talented young defenders in the game, so naturally his arrival will enhance our playing squad for the forthcoming campaign."

"We have priortised adding further strength in depth to defensive positions this summer, and we have certainly done that by fending off any number of clubs who were all interested in taking Kurt on loan."

"He first caught my attention as a 17-year-old during his time at St. Etienne, and in fact, I actually tried to sign him at that point in his career, but whilst that deal never materialised I am delighted to finally get the opportunity to work with him now."

The defender also helped Chelsea win the EPL title twice and Football League Cup once.