Chelsea defender set for summer exit; PL rivals interested as Mourinho eyes reunion

Transfer News: Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma set for summer exit

According to transfer news from Telefoot journalist Julien Maynard (h/t Metro), Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma is expected to leave the club this summer amid interest from Tottenham, Everton and AS Roma.

Signed from French club Saint Etienne in 2014, Zouma has had an up and down career at Chelsea thus far. A regular early in his stint at the club under Jose Mourinho, the centre-back slipped down the pecking order and had loan stints away at Stoke City and Everton, before making his way back into the plans in 2019 under Frank Lampard.

Even then, the 26-year-old hasn’t been able to nail down a regular starting spot at the Bridge and has been favoured even less since the arrival of Thomas Tuchel earlier this year. The German has favoured the defensive trio of Cesar Azpilicueta, Thiago Silva and Antonio Rudiger, with Andreas Christensen as the first-choice backup, leaving Zouma out in the cold for most parts.

The Frenchman, who has made 150 appearances for Chelsea so far, thus, could be on his way out this summer, and there appears to be no shortage of suitors. The report claims that Zouma has already turned down interest from Premier League Wolverhampton Wanderers, while the likes of Tottenham Hotspur and Everton wait in the wings.

In addition, former Chelsea boss Mourinho is also considering a reunion with the France international at his new club AS Roma. The Portuguese tactician rates Zouma very highly and is said to be keen on bringing him to Rome this summer for his new project. (h/t Metro)

Read More:

• Transfer News: Chelsea preparing British transfer record bid for Erling Haaland
• Transfer News: Wolves expecting Chelsea bid for Adama Traore
• Arsenal looking to swoop for Chelsea target Miralem Pjanic

Zouma still has two years left on his contract with Chelsea. But given his standing within the squad currently, and the fact that the Blues are looking for a new defender makes him surplus to requirements. A transfer would, thus, suit all parties involved. As for his next destination, it remains to be seen where he ends up.