Defender tipped for Chelsea exit after snubbing advances of Prem rival

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Reports claim Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma has turned down the opportunity to join Wolves but it still likely to leave the club this summer.

The 26-year-old signed for the Blues in January 2014 before being sent back to Saint-Etienne on loan for the remainder of 2013-2014. He made his Chelsea debut in September 2014 in an EFL Cup match but game time was limited during his first campaign. The giant stopper made only seven Premier League starts among 15 outings.

He did enjoy another 11 outings in cup and Champions League matches. And he was given more of an opportunity the following season.

The France international started 21 top-flight games and scored his first Premier League goal against Arsenal in September 2015. But disaster struck the following year as he ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in February.

That led to six months out of the game after surgery. And he shared the following campaign between the senior side and the Under-23s.

The Lyon-born ace penned a new six-year deal in July 2017 but was loaned to Stoke City for 2017-18. It proved to be a successful switch personally, with 34 outings but the Potters suffered relegation to the Championship.

He was sent to Everton the following season and again saw plenty of action, enjoying 32 top-flight matches. Frank Lampard and Thomas Tuchel both gave him plenty of games over the past two seasons.

But his days at the Bridge may now be numbered, according to Telefoot journalist Julien Maynard (via Sport Witness). He suggests the centre-back ‘should’ leave during the off-season but ‘wasn’t keen’ on Molineux.

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Mourinho reunion an option for Zouma

Jose Mourinho will always be synonymous with Chelsea after his two successful spells in west London. But the Portuguese tactician is now in charge of Roma after being sacked by Tottenham earlier this year.

And it was claimed back in May that the 58-year-old wants to take Zouma to the Stadio Olimpico before next season. That particular trail has gone cold at present but there is still time for things to happen.

Raphael Varane, France v Germany Euro 2020

 

Chelsea’s links to Raphael Varane and Jules Kounde means it is likely that Tuchel does not see Zouma in his long-term plans. Wolves are said to have ‘positioned themselves’ to try and snap him up but ‘the player declined’ the invitation.

Everton and Tottenham have also been mentioned in connection with the player. But Bruno Lage will have to look elsewhere.

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