Wenger has been tipped off that St Etienne’s Zouma could be available.
Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City are all on alert as news emerges that Saint-Etienne could be willing to allow Kurt Zouma to leave the club in the January transfer window, reports The Daily Mirror.
The Blues have been keeping tabs on the talented 19-year-old for some time, with City coming into the fray later – whilst Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has been tipped off about the defender’s availability.
Wenger has a great history of signing young, French talent and scout Gilles Grimandi has recommended the centre-back to the manager, according to the Mirror.
This would play into St Etienne’s hands as there could be a bidding war for the man valued at around £11.5m, although the 64-year-old is too frugal with cash to let this become ludicrous.
Zouma has previously stated the France under-21 international’s desire to come to Stamford Bridge, back when the teenager was linked with a move to England in the summer.
“If you hear of interest from Chelsea and a great manager such as Jose Mourinho, you take notice,” the centre-back was quoted on Sky Sports.
“It makes you happy, and it means you are on the right way to the top.”
Yet Wenger’s reputation of nurturing young talent could give the Frenchman the edge over Mourinho, a coach that expects immediate results from players.
The 50-year-old has never spent more than three consecutive years at the same club, whilst the Arsenal manager has been in north London for over 17 years.
Previously stars such as Thierry Henry, Cesc Fabregas and Robin Van Persie have matured into world-class players under Wenger’s guidance and it’s this reputation that could convince Zouma.
The youngster is however banned until February after a horror tackle on Thomas Guerbert that broke the player’s leg.
Check out the 10 worst Arsenal flops of the Premier League era.
Read more Chelsea transfer news.
COMMENTS