Kurt Zouma faces an uncertain future at Chelsea but could be ideal to replace one of the Blues’ targets at Newcastle United.
Kurt Zouma’s not had a lot of luck at Chelsea and it may be time for him to move on permanently this summer.
The 23-year-old has impressed on loan at Stoke City this season, but the indications at the moment are that it has not been enough to convince the Blues he is worth a first-team spot for the next campaign.
The Telegraph recently reported that Zouma could seek to leave Stamford Bridge if he is not guaranteed more opportunities next season, and this could be very good news for Newcastle.
With Jamaal Lascelles enjoying a fine season himself in the Magpies’ defence, it is little surprise to see rumours surface that Chelsea are interested in him ahead of the summer.
Making the step up from the Championship to the top flight superbly, Chelsea are now considering him as an ideal long-term replacement for John Terry, according to the Mirror.
While losing Lascelles to Chelsea would be a real blow, it would surely cement Zouma’s future away from the west Londoners – and one would expect Newcastle could use that to their advantage in negotiations.
The Frenchman was widely regarded as one of Europe’s top young defenders before his injury troubles at Chelsea, and he’s shown with Stoke that he can be a valuable asset for most Premier League sides, with WhoScored rating him as statistically their best player this season.
The Potters, however, will surely struggle to keep hold of him as they stare relegation in the face, so Newcastle could not ask for a better opportunity to pull off potentially one of the summer’s smartest deals in the coming months.
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