The Chelsea fans in the Transfer Tavern have been hoping that their side will sign Tottenham defender Toby Alderweireld this summer. The Belgian is reportedly set for a Spurs exit in a few months, and with Chelsea needing a defender, a move seemed logical.
However, in what will come as a blow to the Blues in the pub, a move to Stamford Bridge looks unlikely – with the fraught relationship between Chelsea and Tottenham apparently enough to prevent any discussions taking place.
Rated at £36 million by Transfer Markt, it will certainly be tough for Chelsea to sign a defender of his quality this summer if he himself is out of reach.
Fortunately, though, Chelsea do have options – particularly on loan. There are literally dozens of players currently plying their trade away from Stamford Bridge on loan, and Chelsea could look towards that group to improve their defensive fortunes. One player that makes particular sense is Kurt Zouma.
Perhaps the main attribute to signing Alderweireld is the fact that he’s proven in the Premier League. Fortunately, Zouma is too. The Frenchman was arguably one of the best defenders in England prior to suffering his injury – and he’s begun to return to that level of form over the last few months with Stoke.
Incredibly powerful in the air and a solid tackler, Zouma has all of the attributes to succeed back at Stamford Bridge.
At just 23-years-old, he’s also – in stark contrast to Alderweireld – still a very young player, and so whilst the Belgian would be a short-term fix, Zouma could be the man at the back for the best part of a decade for the Blues. He’s also well placed to play in a back-three, with his fantastic pace and reading of the game perfectly suited to that style.
Indeed, losing out of Alderweireld is a blow, but for Chelsea – Zouma is the natural next step.
Chelsea fans – thoughts?
Let us know below!
