According to Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea have approached Juventus for defensive midfielder Denis Zakaria. The Blues have an interest in a loan with a buy option, and could have a significant negotiation ahead of them for the midfielder that scouting reports have described as a “midfield monster”.
Chelsea Approach Juventus for ‘Midfield Monster’
Why Are Chelsea After a Midfielder?
The Stamford Bridge side are looking for a midfielder as the club is incredibly thin on the ground in that position right now. An injury to Ngolo Kante exposed the Blues’ lack of depth in the event of an injury, as Thomas Tuchel’s side have stalled out of the gates in the early stages of the season.
The German manager’s system relies heavily on two midfielders receiving the ball and transitioning the side up the pitch. Without quality in these positions, Chelsea’s front line struggles significantly more.
Why Denis Zakaria?
Denis Zakaria is a highly regarded defensive midfielder in Serie A. The Swiss midfielder is in the top decile of midfielders for interceptions in the top 5 leagues in Europe, but also produces excellent attacking figures. At the age of 25, he also offers plenty of room for growth and can act as a fixture at Stamford Bridge for years to come. The ‘midfield monster’ has only been at Juve since last summer, so could be a difficult sell.
Excl: Chelsea have just approached Juve for Denis Zakaria! Talks have just started as Sangaré deal is off — ongoing right now. 🚨🔵 #CFC #DeadlineDay
Chelsea are offering loan with buy option. pic.twitter.com/pBVdWizu6U
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 1, 2022
What Are Chelsea’s Other Options?
One option for Chelsea was Ibrahim Sangare, a defensive midfielder at PSV Eindhoven. PSV chose to retain the Ivorian midfielder, strengthening their side as league rivals Ajax lose some of their best players. The hunt for Zakaria could be one that goes deep into deadline day, as he is one of the few top-tier defensive midfielders available in Europe. The Swiss midfielder isn’t a silver bullet, but filling the role could go a long way to improving the Blues’ performances.
Ibrahim Sangaré deal is currently off — nothing going on right now, unless Chelsea submit an huge proposal later, it won’t happen. 🔵❌ #CFC
Rumours on Denis Zakaria are also wide of mark. #DeadlineDay pic.twitter.com/1RccMtbtOg
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 1, 2022
