Everton are set to ramp up their interest in French centre back Kurt Zouma, according to reports in the Daily Star.
The defender, 24, became a fan’s favourite with strong defensive displays last season at Goodison Park, making 36 appearances whilst on loan from Chelsea.
The Frenchman formed a strong defensive partnership with Michael Keane, and Toffees boss Marco Silva is set to ramp up his interest in bringing Zouma to the club on a permanent basis.
Owing to the injuries suffered by last summer’s defensive signing Yerry Mina, the 24-year-old found himself regularly starting games; an opportunity he had not been afforded whilst at Chelsea. This could be instrumental in convincing the French international to make the move from Stamford Bridge as Everton bid to bridge the gap between the top-six and the chasing pack in Silva’s second season at Goodison.
Silva is believed to have outlined that bringing Zouma to Goodison permanently is a top priority for the club. Everton’s form towards the end of the season was their best and they looked sharp despite just missing out on the Europa League spots owing to solid team displays. This good run has seen Silva looking to keep his squad together, having already signed Andre Gomes for £22m after he impressed on his loan spell from Barcelona.
Everton are looking to strengthen across the team as they look for another striker to provide them with a clinical edge that was missing at times. Cenk Tosun has failed to be that figure since the £27m move and barely featured towards the tail end of the season. Meanwhile, Dominic Calvert-Lewin has looked impressive but lacks that maturity needed to lead a Premier League attack week in, week out.
Before Everton chase a striker though, it appears that Kurt Zouma is the primary target.
Why do Everton need Zouma?
Everton have had defensive issues ever since Roberto Martinez’s second season in charge. With signings such as Ashley Williams failing to make an improvement, Everton looked to the loan system but have been fairly unfortunate with their signings.
Loaning Eliaquim Mangala from Manchester City last season only lasted two games as the Frenchman suffered a long term injury and with Phil Jagielka nearing retirement, Silva has actively tried to solve the defensive issues.
Michael Keane has been a key part of the back four since signing from Burnley and his partnership with Zouma was Everton’s strongest pairing. Keane was involved in 13 clean sheets while Zouma kept 10. He also made 54 interceptions in 32 Premier League appearances and has a pass completion of 83.56% showing that his team play is also an important factor in his game, adding more than just defensive qualities.
Zouma is a man who could be vital in Everton’s attempts to chase top six football next season. With their attack, they always look threatening, and it only takes a little more stability to make them one of the sturdier defences in the division.
How can they get Zouma?
Chelsea are a team in limbo at the moment. Frank Lampard looks almost certain to sign as their manager and until he takes over, Everton will not be able to bid for Zouma. Lampard will have to have his say and with the London side’s transfer embargo in place, they might want to keep hold of an always improving defender who could easily slot into a top-four backline.
The London side do seem to have an ageing defence. They played three at the back under Maurizio Sarri and if they are to do this again Lampard may want to make sure his squad has plenty of proven depth. This is something that the French international can provide.
Antonio Rudiger and Cesar Azpilicueta are Chelsea’s standouts at the back but will this be enough? David Luiz, albeit a good player, tends to make mistakes, and Zouma could be back up for a potentially fatigued defence.
However, will he be happy to be a backup player? One important factor is that Zouma has declared that he wants first-team football. Everton will give him that but will Chelsea? After an impressive season, now seems like the time to push him up into their first team.
Signing Zouma will solve plenty of issues for Silva providing depth and quality to his defensive options and as he has already proved himself in an Everton jersey it is a target that makes the most sense. If he does not join, Everton may have issues searching for a good enough defender with the season being six weeks from starting.
Everton will be hoping that with a big enough offer and the promise of first-team football, Zouma will lend his permanent services to the club.
