Chelsea loanee learns surprising fate as Todd Boehly prepares showdown talks over discounted transfer
Chelsea could keep one of their on-loan players for less than the value of their option to buy at the end of the season, a report has claimed.
In recent years, Chelsea have been famed for the rate at which they send players out on loan. That has continued to be the case this season, though they have used the same formula to strengthen their own squad too.
For example, in the summer, Denis Zakaria arrived on loan from Juventus, before Joao Felix joined on the same terms from Atletico Madrid in January.
As things stand, both of them are due to be returned to sender at the start of July. However, they still have time until then to convince Chelsea to buy them on a permanent basis.
In that regard, Chelsea owner Todd Boehly is preparing to speak with Atletico about Felix’s future, since the Portugal international seems happy to stay in west London.
The chances of Zakaria staying have seemed slimmer due to his relative lack of gametime. Yet an update from La Gazzetta Dello Sport has explained that the Switzerland international might still be a Chelsea player next season as well.
According to the Italian source, Chelsea will meet with Juventus in the coming months. Discussing a deal for Zakaria’s permanent transfer will be on the agenda.
Some figures at Chelsea can still see a useful player in the 26-year-old. He may have only started four Premier League matches for them so far, but might deserve some patience.
Chelsea could be tempted by Denis Zakaria discount
That said, Chelsea would be hoping to secure a discount on the €33million (£29m) option to buy they have for Zakaria. Indeed, it wouldn’t be smart for them to pay that much for a player they have used so infrequently.
Yet despite being under contract with Juventus until 2026, Zakaria could become a permanent Chelsea player if negotiations are successful.
His challenge would then be to continue competing with the likes of Enzo Fernandez and Mateo Kovacic for more gametime in the middle, along with any potential additions Chelsea make to the department.
Zakaria earned plenty of admirers during his time at Borussia Monchengladbach prior to his seven months with Juventus and subsequent Chelsea move. Perhaps the Blues remain optimistic they will be able to see the previous version of the player in their own colours.
All is not lost for Zakaria at Stamford Bridge, but likewise, nothing has been decided for definite. From his perspective, all that can be done is to maintain high standards whenever he is given the opportunity until his loan spell ends.
Beyond then, Zakaria’s career could go in multiple directions, but staying with Chelsea could yet be one of the possibilities.
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