Jose Mourinho is reportedly keen to reunite with Kurt Zouma and is looking to bring the Chelsea defender over to local rivals Tottenham in the summer.
French publication RMC Sport have reported of Tottenham’s interest in Kurt Zouma. Jose Mourinho is keen to bring Zouma over from former club Chelsea and is plotting a summer reunion to beef up the squad and solve the defensive issues plaguing his new club.
Jose Mourinho was the man who gave Kurt Zouma his break at Chelsea in the 2014/15 season while also being the man to tell him he was ‘rubbish’ in Zouma’s own words. The Frenchman may not have been able to impress current boss Frank Lampard much. But, it could be chalked down to being played in a system that is built to have some defensive vulnerability every now and then.
Despite not being nearly impressive, Zouma has made 33 appearances for Chelsea in all competitions this season, which speaks volumes of the lack of options at Lampard’s disposal but also of Zouma’s status in the squad. The report herein states that Zouma is open to the idea of leaving Chelsea, which would be music to Jose Mourinho’s ears.
RMC Sport speculate that Zouma is one of five names given by Mourinho to the Tottenham board as part of his squad overhaul in the summer. Their performance this season would explain why such is the case. Tottenham have leaked 40 goals in 27 Premier League games, a problem that led to the dismissal of Mauricio Pochettino.
The pairing of Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen haven’t been their usual steady selves at the back; Juan Foyth hasn’t been swindled with chances and Davinson Sanchez needs more time to fit into Mourinho’s system. Add to this the exit rumours circling around Vertonghen and it is only natural for Mourinho to look to add defenders to the Tottenham squad.
As far as the choice to go after Zouma is concerned, the Frenchman is only 25 and could be a good fit alongside Davinson Sanchez in the long run. Mourinho is likely to add Zouma as a rotation option rather than bring him in as a starter. Given the fact that Zouma isn’t exactly convinced to stay at Chelsea, we could see him move to local rivals Tottenham.