According to BBC Sport, Everton are ready to push harder in their bid to sign Kurt Zouma permanently this summer. The Frenchman has been identified as the next top target for the Toffees after they secured the services of Andre Gomes from FC Barcelona.
The Portuguese international reportedly cost Everton £22 million, but it is believed Chelsea could demand over £30 million for Zouma. However, the defender’s availability this summer depends on the decision of Chelsea’s new manager, meaning the Merseyside giants may have to wait until the Blues appoint their successor for the departing Maurizio Sarri.
Zouma’s impressive loan spell at Everton
Zouma initially moved to Everton on a season-long loan deal last summer after being deemed surplus to requirements by Sarri. He was an ever-present figure in the Everton backline, featuring in 32 league appearances.
The 24-year-old built a formidable defensive partnership with Michael Keane that saw the Toffees concede only 46 goals in the recently concluded 2018/19 campaign. His presence in the team also provided manager Marco Silva with an additional option in defence, which was important as last summer’s star recruit Yerry Mina struggled with both form and injuries.
So essentially, Everton are keen to bring the Frenchman back to Goodison Park. But, Chelsea’s transfer ban has complicated things, and it will be interesting to see if the new manager will be willing to hand Zouma the opportunity of making it into the club’s starting lineup next season.
What can Zouma bring to the table?
In what was evident with his performances last season, Zouma provided the physicality and aggression in the Everton defence, which, coupled with his doggedness at the back, made the Toffees one of the most disciplined teams in the division. Zouma’s physically imposing frame of 1.90m also made him a threat from set-pieces, with the defender notably scoring two goals last season.
Should Everton make a move for the Frenchman?
Securing the services of Zouma permanently could turn out to be a masterstroke by Silva this summer. The 24-year-old showed that he is capable of thriving in the Premier League at the Goodison Park last season and his experience of playing at Everton could be useful in his bid to become a successful signing for the Merseyside giants.
But, then again, it remains to be as to whether or not Chelsea will be willing to let go of Zouma as an unfavourable decision by the new manager could potentially thwart Everton’s pursuit of the star defender.
