Chelsea are yet to make a decision on the long-term future of midfielder Denis Zakaria, according to Fabrizio Romano. The Swiss international, who joined the Blues from Juventus on a season-long loan with an option to buy during the summer, would “love to stay,” but there won’t be a final verdict until May.
Denis Zakaria Hoping to Remain at Chelsea
🚨 EXCLUSIVE 🚨@FabrizioRomano reveals when Chelsea will decide Denis Zakaria's future and how much he'd cost.
Plus comment on those links with Jonathan Tah #CFC #Transfers
Full story 👇👇
— CaughtOffside (@caughtoffside) February 12, 2023
The Midfield Enforcer’s Chelsea Journey So Far
Zakaria initially struggled to find game time under Thomas Tuchel or Graham Potter and didn’t make an appearance until November. The defensive midfielder scored on his debut during a 2-1 Champions League group stage victory over Dinamo Zagreb. He has only made eight appearances this season, but his size, athleticism and physicality has offered his team an added dimension in midfield.
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The 26-year-old injured his hamstring against Fulham on January 12 but has returned to first-team training and is in contention to make the squad for the Blues’ European knockout fixture against Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday.
After Chelsea’s underwhelming 1-1 draw with West Ham United, which means they’ve only won two of their last 13 league matches, the return of the midfielder will be welcome news for Potter.
Potential Solution to Chelsea’s Precarious Midfield Situation
The futures of N’Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic remain uncertain. The World Cup-winning Frenchman’s contract expires in 2023 and an extension is still yet to be concluded. Kovacic’s deal runs until 2024 so the club may choose to cash in during the summer to avoid losing the Croatian as a free agent in 18 months.
Romano revealed it would cost around £26 million to make Stamford Bridge Zakaria’s permanent home. A modest fee for a relatively young and talented midfielder could be an astute piece of business for Todd Boehly, that is if the Swiss international is viewed as the successor to either of these reliable performers.
Juventus’ Troubling Period
The Italian juggernaut faces a period of grave uncertainty after a deduction of 15 points due to “financial irregularities and false accounting,” which leaves them floundering in mid-table. European qualification for next season is now hanging in the balance and a mass exodus could be on the horizon.
The terms of Zakaria’s transfer would indicate that he is considered surplus to requirements in Turin. Chelsea could be the grateful beneficiaries of the turmoil in Italy if they secure the services of one of Switzerland’s best players.
