In this instalment of our TT Roundup, Football Transfer Tavern have gathered three of the biggest stories to have involved Chelsea recently and have provided our thoughts on the reports published.
Lampard reveals Zouma bids
Frank Lampard has praised defender Kurt Zouma and his partnership with Fikayo Tomori in the Chelsea backline, after revealing that the Frenchman was subject of multiple bids in the summer.
Zouma had spent the previous season on loan at Everton, and according to the Daily Express, his former club attempted to seal a permanent deal for the centre-back in the summer.
Lampard said: “There was a belief that I had in Kurt because there was interest in the summer after we all know he had a very good loan at Everton last year.
“But I believed in him as I believed in Tomori – that is why I made the decisions I made pre-season in terms of where we were going to look defensively.”
Verdict
It seems the decision to retain Zouma’s services at Stamford Bridge has turned out to be an inspired one by Lampard – with Zouma playing in all but one of Chelsea’s games in all competitions this season prior to their EFL Cup clash with Manchester United.
The fact that Lampard felt happy enough to sanction David Luiz’s move to Arsenal demonstrates how highly Zouma is rated, and he is showing that on the pitch having helped Chelsea to record a seventh consecutive victory at the weekend.
Lyon in touch for Giroud talks
Ligue 1 outfit Lyon have reportedly made contact with Chelsea over a possible move for striker Olivier Giroud.
According to Soccer Link (via Football.london), Lyon are open to selling Moussa Dembele and see the World Cup winner as a suitable replacement.
Giroud has made just two starts all season for the Blues, scoring in their Super Cup defeat to Liverpool in August.
Verdict
Giroud played second fiddle to the likes of Alvaro Morata and Gonzalo Higuain last season under Maurizio Sarri, and has not seen his Europa League endeavours rewarded with first-team action.
The emergence and form of Tammy Abraham will have undoubtedly hindered his chances, and with Michy Batshuayi among the goals in Europe recently, the prospects of Giroud forcing his way into the side look bleak at present.
Although, while there may be reason for Giroud himself to seek a way out, as ever, Chelsea’s transfer ban may make the Blues reluctant to let go of the former Arsenal man.
Mount says youngsters proving people wrong
Midfielder Mason Mount has suggested that Chelsea’s young side are proving people wrong after their impressive start to the season.
Winless in their first three games in all competitions under Frank Lampard, the Blues have gone on to record a run of seven straight victories thanks to their 4-2 win over Burnley at the weekend, and Mount has given an insight into what has driven the team on to the success they have had of late.
He said (via Goal): “The fans have been calling for young English players for a long time and the backing they’ve given us makes us all want to give that extra yard on the pitch.
“People wrote us off at the start of the season and said we wouldn’t do well without new signings, so we just need to keep proving them wrong.”
Verdict
You have to give credit to Frank Lampard and Chelsea for being as competitive as they have been despite not spending any money in the transfer window.
Factoring in that Lampard and several of his players are rookies at their respective levels, to find Chelsea in the top four while the likes of Arsenal, Spurs and Manchester United have all stuttered to a greater extent is a testament to the early success the team has enjoyed.
Mount himself has been integral to that, and it seems his current goal tally of four in his first 10 Premier League appearances suggests a bright future awaits the 20-year-old at Chelsea.
Chelsea fans, how pleased are you that the club kept hold of Zouma – and how much credit do Lampard and the team deserve for their promising start? Let us know in the comments below!
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