With the summer transfer window having recently closed, clubs are already putting together a list of those that they will go for in the winter market – and a certain Chelsea defender is a wanted man.
According to Italian newspaper La Nazione [via Sport], Kurt Zouma is priority target for Fiorentina when the window reopens in four months’ time, and the Blues are said to be open to a loan agreement.
The report claims that the Serie A outfit have started negotiations with the reigning English champions, though they face competition from three other Italian clubs Roma, Napoli and Sampdoria.
Zouma was heavily linked with Roma [via Le 10 Sport] in the summer, who were willing to part with €30m to secure his signature on a permanent deal, but Jose Mourinho, the Chelsea manager, is a big admirer of the centre-back and wasn’t willing to entertain such an offer.
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A loan move for the 20-year-old would not have raised many eyebrows in the summer; however, given the Blues’ defence has looked worryingly vulnerable since the start of the new season – having conceded 10 goals in just four games – Zouma could be a key player in their battle to retain the Premier League title.
However, there have been reports that the west London giants will make a fifth attempt at signing Everton centre-back John Stones, and Mourinho is rumoured to be confident that they will finally be successful in their efforts, the London Evening Standard report.
Stones’ possible arrival could therefore pave the way for Zouma to be granted the opportunity to experience regular first-team football elsewhere.