This time last January, rumours started circulating about Steven Nzonzi potentially returning to the Premier League.
Well, fast forward 12 months later and the rumour engine has restarted again, this time with Arsenal and Everton showing interest in the Rennes midfielder, according to FootMercato.
Aston Villa, who were battling relegation at the time, were the ones keen to bring the towering enforcer from Galatasary back then, but he opted to return to his native France instead.
At the time, Sam Allardyce urged Nzonzi to join Villa and help them in their battle to avoid the drop.
The Englishman, who managed him at Blackburn Rovers, claimed that he has ‘so much talent’ in his legs, as he told talkSPORT.
One of Villa’s most underrated players is their combative energy battery, John McGinn and Allardyce suggested that he is perhaps a better player than the Scotsman.
This is what Allardyce had to say about reported Everton and Arsenal target, Nzonzi last January when Villa were searching for his signature.
“Get Steven Nzonzi and you will succeed more than you are succeeding, at the moment,” said Allardyce. “He would be massive for Aston Villa and he’s experienced now.
“I watched him, not so long ago, in a European competition at Old Trafford for Seville it was, at the time, and he absolutely ran the game.
“It’s a no-brainer. This lad has got so much experience and so much talent. He could guide Villa out of trouble. He could bring stability to the midfield, which would help the defence. He would help in the clean sheet scenario.
“His ability and his technical ability in providing the right sort of service from centre midfield to the attacking midfielders/forwards would be exceptional as well. They think McGinn is a good player then wait until you see Steven Nzonzi.”
European-chasing duo Everton and Arsenal are also seemingly seeing those talents now and it will be interesting to see if they push for the recently turned 32-year-old before Monday’s deadline.
Of course, both teams also have the summer to sign him up and he would no doubt be a welcome, healthy and clever addition to either Everton or Arsenal’s squad, especially if they end up in Europe next term.
Regardless of how Allardyce is perceived in terms his style of play, one thing is for sure, he has proven over the years that he can see talent.
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