We’re now getting close to that period when clubs want replacements for the players who will leave for the Africa Cup of Nations.
And according to Tutto Mercato Web on Thursday, they’re thinking of the Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma to replace him. Zouma suffered a cruciate ligament rupture earlier this year which left him out of Chelsea’s first team for over six months, but he’s now close to his full return.
Tutto Mercato Web doesn’t mention if Napoli would want a loan deal or a permanent transfer. Koulibaly is one of the most wanted defenders in the market these days, so it would be no surprise if the club tried to keep Zouma in case they feel threatened of losing the Senegalese defender in the next summer.
Zouma’s contract with Chelsea expires in 2019. It’s still unknown how much Antonio Conte will use him when fully fit.
The Frenchman is very highly rated and given Conte’s thirst for more central defenders, with Koulibaly being one of the most linked, sending Zouma away may not make a great deal of sense. Unless, that is, it could see Koulibaly at Chelsea in the summer.
