Chelsea are reportedly considering the possibility of sending youngster Kurt Zouma with Schalke a possible destination.
According to well respected Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Chelsea are considering the possibility to send out young defender Kurt Zouma on loan. The report has added that the Blues’ are in negotiation with Bundesliga outfit Schalke 04, who seem to be looking for a centre-half to add to their squad.
Kurt ‘Happy’ Zouma had made 23 Premier League appearances for Chelsea last season and is widely expected by pundits and Blues’ fans to make the centre-half spot his own for years to come.
Zouma suffered a serious injury in February last season in the 1-1 draw against Manchester United and is yet to fully recover from the setback. The 21-year-old was on the verge of becoming a first-team regular under Guus Hiddink but the injury has set him back a bit.
The above fact coupled with the strong performances by the experienced pairing of John Terry and Gary Cahill is unlikely to hand Zouma much regular game time, something which is necessary for the player in order to recover quick and well.
Chelsea boss Antonio Conte is reportedly prepared to send the player out on loan in order to aid his recovery as he would receive substantial playing time at Schalke, something which may not be the case at Stamford Bridge in the present scenario.
Di Marzio has stated that the deal being negotiated is a season-long loan deal that is likely to contain a clause that provides Chelsea with the ability to call the player back from Bundesliga at any point during the loan, if the club so desires.
This deal could be ideal as it would ensure playing time for Zouma, which would help him recover quickly and Chelsea can decide to bring the 21-year-old back when Antonio Conte deems the involvement of the player a necessity due to certain future events in between.
The news might come as a surprise to many and could make the supporters a bit worried as Chelsea have reported to be on the market for a central defender and have failed thus far to add someone to the squad. Now, add to that, the possibility of another centre-back leaving the club is a sight the faithfuls would be dreading.
But the report could also hint towards Antonio Conte’s confidence of landing a central defender as the former Italy National Team manager would otherwise not be naive to send another centre-back away from the club in the midst of a defensive crisis.
It remains to be seen whether there is any truth to the story and whether Chelsea can land a centre-back before the transfer window closes. But, one thing is certain; the stage is set for a frantic week going into the transfer deadline as the Blues create a flutter or two in the market to grab the players necessary for Conte to establish his playing style at Stamford Bridge.
