Despite Gianfranco Zola’s agent trying to pour some cold water on the stories sending his client to Chelsea as part of Maurizio Sarri’s staff, Gazzetta dello Sport believe the ex-Chelsea forward is closer than ever to a return to Stamford Bridge.
The former Birmingham manager left South Africa, where he was a commentating for Supersport during the World Cup, to fly to London, which the Italian newspaper sees as a sign a deal is close.
Zola is described as the ‘key’ to Chelsea sacking Antonio Conte and bringing Sarri in, as he would be the new manager’s right hand man in a ‘technical director’ position, which would end up being a similar to role to that of Michael Emenalo.
The former footballer is also adept in English, and knows Premier League football well; attributes that could help Sarri in his early days in charge.
While official meetings have not taken place between Chelsea and Zola, phone conversations have, according to Gazzetta, and that’s all you need these days to agree on deals.
Zola’s contract with Supersport was meant to go on until Thursday, so the Italian newspaper feel it would take something rather important for him to cut it short.
Gazzetta feel Sarri could end up signing his Chelsea deal by the end of the week, which would, in turn, kickstart the club’s transfer market.
