Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma signs new deal, immediately loaned to Stoke

July 21 (UPI) -- Centre-back Kurt Zouma barely let the ink dry on his new six-year deal with Chelsea before being loaned to Stoke.

Zouma penned his new pact Friday morning. The club immediately announced his loan to Stoke City for the 2017-2018 season.

"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," Chelsea technical director Michael Emenalo said in a team statement.

"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."

Zouma, 22, joined Chelsea in 2014 from St. Etienne. He has won the Premier League twice since his arrival with the Blues. He has also appeared on France's senior national squad.

"Happy to announce that I have signed a new long term contract with @chelseafc & will be joining @stokecity on loan this season #SCFC," Zouma tweeted Friday.

Zouma's Chelsea teammates were already missing the defender after hearing the news.

"Miss you already broooo! @KurtZouma don't two foot me if we face each other," Chelsea's Michy Batshuayi tweeted.

Zouma suffered a serious knee injury in February 2016, but recovered to play 13 games last season for the Premier League champs. He made three starts.

Chelsea also made a move Wednesday, receiving Real Madrid striker Alvaro Morata in a transfer. The Blues battle Arsenal at 12:40 p.m. Saturday at Beijing's Bird's Nest Stadium in a preseason friendly.