Chelsea’s pursuit of Villarreal star is good news for Everton

Chelsea’s pursuit of Villarreal Pau Torres is good news for Everton in their hunt for Kurt Zouma.

Everton’s interest in Kurt Zouma is one of the football world’s worst kept secrets. The French defender spent one season at Goodison and fared well to everybody’s expectations. Carlo Ancelotti has kept an eye on the centre back and has requested the club hierarchy to sign Zouma.

While Chelsea’s early splurge saw them mainly sign players suited in the attack, Frank Lampard is now committed to improving the defence. The Chelsea legend is mulling over dumping world record signing Kepa Arrizabalaga while also aggressively pursuing options in the left back position.

The latest reports suggest that Chelsea have also entered the long list of teams interested in Villarreal centre back Pau Torres, as per the Daily Mail. Barcelona, Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal were the teams previously linked with the Spaniard.

Blues’ latest 3-2 loss to West Ham United highlighted the fact that they need players who can be entrusted with the responsibilities of defending set pieces. Chelsea have an awful set piece defence record conceding 9 goals via corners.

Pau Torres is a giant ball playing centre back and has proved to be efficient in set piece defending situations for the Yellow Submarines. Chelsea’s significant interest in Torres may open the door to Everton signing Kurt Zouma.

The Frenchman spent last season on loan with the Toffees, appearing 32 times and helping the team keep 11 clean sheets. For many, Kurt Zouma will be higher rated and preferred than Yerry Mina who has had an injury stricken Everton career. With no signs of Thiago Silva making a move to Merseyside, Marcel Brands and his team are now concentrated on Zouma.

Zouma is somewhat of an old school centre back relying on his burly figure to boss the opponents. Now he may not be the best ball playing centre backs, but his beast figure quite essentially helps the team in negotiating long balls.

A future partnership of Mason Holgate and Kurt Zouma could be an exciting one as Holgate is an expert ball playing centre half while the 25 year old could mop up the defence when the Englishman ventures forward.

All in all, Chelsea aggressively pursuing Pau Torres is a good sign for Everton as all omens point to the Blues listening to offers for Kurt Zouma.