Chelsea will have the option to buy Denis Zakaria at the end of the season for around 30m euros (£26.5m) should they choose to, it has been revealed.
The Swiss midfielder joined the club on loan from Juventus on transfer deadline day, and initially there was talk of him being sent back without featuring following the departure of Thomas Tuchel.
But, he impressed fans when he did finally take to the pitch in Graham Potter’s midfield, making four Premier League appearances so far this season, before picking up a hamstring injury against Fulham that has seen them sidelined since.
Enzo Fernandez has since arrived at the club, taking the total spend to over 600m euros for the Blues under Todd Boehly, but Zakaria could be available for a relative snip this summer should they wish to keep him in west London beyond this season.
Lusail, Qatar. 18th Dec, 2022. Soccer: World Cup, Argentina – France, Final Round, Final, Lusail Stadium, Argentina’s Enzo Fernandez with the Young Player Award. Credit: Tom Weller/dpa/Alamy Live News 2M4A7NW Lusail, Qatar. 18th Dec, 2022. Soccer: World Cup, Argentina – France, Final Round, Final, Lusail Stadium, Argentina’s Enzo Fernandez with the Young Player Award. Credit: Tom Weller/dpa/Alamy Live News (Alamy Stock Photo)
“Chelsea have not made any decision on Denis Zakaria”, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealed. “They have a buy option clause close to €30m, a decision [will be made] in April/May.”
“Juventus are still waiting for Chelsea to decide, player would love to stay but it’s up to the club.”
However, with N’Golo Kante out of contract in the summer, and the futures of both Mateo Kovacic and Conor Gallagher in doubt along with Mason Mount’s future being unclear, it could well be a shrewd acquisition should he be able to strike up a good relationship with Fernandez.