Chelsea have been one of the busier Premier League sides in the this January’s transfer window, adding Mohamed Salah and Nemanja Matic to their star-studded squad.
Reports in both France and England today are suggesting that Jose Mourinho could well be ready to make that a trio – but only if the Blues can agree a fee for their next target.
L’Equipe are suggesting that the west London outfit are on the verge of landing highly rated central defender Kurt Zouma, who has been touted as the ‘next Marcel Desailly’.
However, The Mirror state that the move will only happen if a fee can be agreed upon, with the teenager’s club St Etienne holding out for £18 million for their prize asset.
Whether or not Zouma would move to Chelsea immediately or at the end of the season remains to be seen, with Mourinho’s men thought to be negotiating over the potential transfer fee.
The Ligue 1 club’s co-president Roland Romeyer has been vocal in stating that St Etienne will only part ways with Zouma on their own terms.
“Some clubs have launched a bid for the player, but we will not change our strategy,” he said.
“There have been discussions for Zouma with English, Italian and French clubs, but he ill not be leaving this month unless we find an agreement with some of the potential buyers.
“If not, he will have to wait until the summer. We are under no obligation to sell.”
Zouma’s arrival would be a significant boost for the Blues, as they have decisions to make in the centre of their defence.
Skipper and talisman John Terry is out of contract at the end of the season and it remains to be seen whether the former England international will extend his stay with the Stamford Bridge club.
Whether he does or not, 19-year-old Zouma appears to have all the physical attributes and ability to replace the ageing veteran in the long run.
It may well be that the Frenchman’s arrival also instigates questions over David Luiz’s future in west London, with the Brazilian defender being repeatedly linked with a move away from Chelsea.
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