Everton is willing to spend £30 million on Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma who is touted as an alternative to Gabriel Magalhaes.
Everton has messed up in the Gabriel Magalhaes deal. At one stage the Toffees were the favourites to sign the LOSC Lille man, with the medical passed but now the Royal Blues seem to almost be out of the race. Arsenal and Manchester United are heavy favourites to sign the Brazilian, leaving Brands to work on alternatives. Chelsea man Kurt Zouma is an alternative to Gabriel with Everton willing to spend a handsome amount for the Frenchman.
If you talk about one centre back who is worthy of staying in the team, it is Mason Holgate. The 22 year old’s rise has been exponential this season. Despite the young age he has shown immense courage and leadership qualities. The same cannot be said for Yerry Mina and Michael Keane. Even though Keane was looking sharp after the restart, his form is not consistent.
Yerry Mina’s injury concerns have already given every Evertonian nightmares. Jarrad Branthwaite is very young and inexperienced to play week in week out in the monster Premier League. Carlo Ancelotti will need a rigid, adept and courageous centre back next season, in order to challenge for a top half finish.
With Gabriel Magalhaes deal out of the Toffees’ reach, Kurt Zouma is a sizeable alternative. Everton has been linked with the Frenchman in the past and if reports are true, even Chelsea is willing to sell.
According to a report from Spanish media outlet TodoFichajes, Everton is willing to spend as much as £30 million to buy Kurt Zouma. Chelsea themselves are finding ways to generate funds for the arrivals of Declan Rice and Kai Havertz.
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Even though Zouma featured in Frank Lampard’s plans extensively this season, with the 25 year old making 43 appearances in all competitions, a move away from the Stamford Bridge isn’t ruled out. The Frenchman has spent a year on loan at Goodison Park during the 2018/19 season and is well versed with the locker room atmosphere. During his time in Merseyside last season, Kurt Zouma made 36 appearances featuring as a part of a back three and back four in Marco Silva’s set up. This time around, it will be a more revered, experienced and decorated coach in form of Ancelotti to counsel the Frenchman.
However, the £30 million for Zouma’s freedom does put me off a bit. Gabriel Magalhaes was to cost £25 million and spending more on his alternative is not a very smart step. Despite the 25 year old being contracted at Chelsea till 2023, a moderate fee of £25 million will be acceptable to the Londoners as well.
Reinforcements are needed in the defence for sure and Kurt Zouma is also an acceptable option but paying £30 million is a tad too much for the Frenchman.