Reports suggest that Chelsea are not likely to make a permanent move for Denis Zakaria this summer. The Swiss midfielder was signed by the Blues on a season-long loan deal from Juventus last September. Chelsea chiefs have the option to make the deal permanent for £30 million at the end of the season, but according to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, they are unlikely to do so. Instead, Zakaria could return to Juventus, with Chelsea on the hunt for a new midfielder to replace him.
Zakaria has made ten appearances for Chelsea this season, but has been missing due to a hamstring injury. His contract with Juventus runs until 2026. Chelsea, on the other hand, are looking at transfer alternatives. Plettenberg suggests that West Ham star Declan Rice is a “top candidate”. Rice’s contract at London Stadium is set to expire in 2024, with Arsenal and Manchester United also showing interest.
Rice spent eight years in Chelsea’s academy before being released as a 15-year-old in 2014. He subsequently came through at West Ham, making 229 appearances for the East Londoners. Chelsea have also been linked with Rice’s Three Lions team-mate Jude Bellingham, as well as Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Manu Kone.
Chelsea’s midfield has been a problem area this season, with manager Thomas Tuchel often rotating his options. N’Golo Kante, Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic have all been used in different combinations, but none have cemented their place in the starting lineup. Zakaria was brought in to provide more depth and competition in the midfield, but it seems that he has not done enough to convince Chelsea to make the deal permanent.
Rice would be a more established option, having proven himself in the Premier League over the past few seasons. He is a versatile player who can operate as a defensive midfielder or a centre-back, and would add some much-needed physicality and presence to Chelsea’s midfield. However, West Ham are likely to demand a high fee for their captain, which could be a stumbling block for Chelsea.
Bellingham, on the other hand, is a young and exciting prospect who has impressed for Borussia Dortmund this season. The 17-year-old has already made his mark on the international stage with England, and would be a long-term investment for Chelsea. Kone is another option who has caught Chelsea’s eye, with the 19-year-old impressing in the Bundesliga this season.
Overall, it seems that Chelsea are keeping their options open when it comes to midfield reinforcements. While Zakaria has not done enough to earn a permanent move, there are plenty of other players who could fit the bill. Rice, Bellingham and Kone all offer different qualities, and it will be interesting to see which direction Chelsea choose to go in this summer.