Gianfranco Zola shocked by Chelsea’s decision to sell midfielders without replacements

Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola is shocked by his former club’s decision to sell so many of their midfielders this summer without first bringing in replacements.

The Blues have trimmed their bloated squad in impressive fashion so far with 10 members of last season’s squad moving on. Among them are midfielders Mason Mount, Mateo Kovacic, N’Golo Kante and Ruben Loftus-Cheek with Conor Gallagher the subject of a £40million bid from West Ham.

Mount and Kovacic joined rivals Manchester United and Manchester City respectively in deals worth an initial £55m and £25m with Zola admitting the two will be a ‘big miss’ next season.

Zola’s Reaction

‘I am surprised to have seen so many players leaving,’ Zola told talkSPORT. ‘I was surprised to see Mason leaving, also Kovacic leaving.

‘They were very important players, not only for the quality they used to give the team but with Mason, he is one of the midfielders who could score goals.

‘In my opinion they are a big miss. I don’t mention Kante because he was injured the whole season last season but the other two are very key players. It will be interesting to see how Pochettino can compensate for that and I am looking forward to seeing how that will deliver.’

Chelsea Looking to Add to Their Numbers in Midfield

Chelsea are actively looking to add to their numbers in midfield with Brighton star Moises Caicedo their top target. The club have already seen a £70m offer rejected by the Seagulls and while they are preparing a new bid thought to be worth £80m plus add-ons, Brighton are adamant the Ecuador international will not leave for less than £100m.

Brighton have asked for Levi Colwill to be included in the deal but Pochettino is eager to hold onto the youngster, believing he will develop into one of the best centre-halves in the league.

With neither side willing to budge, the situation has been left at an impasse with Caicedo’s future uncertain.

Conclusion

It remains to be seen whether Chelsea will be able to bring in any new midfielders before the transfer window closes. With Zola expressing his surprise at the club’s decision to sell so many midfielders without replacements, it’s clear that the Blues need to act quickly if they are to strengthen their squad before the start of the new season.

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