According to reports West Ham are currently trying to sign Denis Zakaria permanently from Juventus and talks are now on. This is not a new story, however the latest reports are from the Italian media who insist the deal is close.
Not only are negotiations believed to be going well but talks are thought to be advanced.
Zakaria had an unflattering loan spell at Chelsea last season and he has already returned to Italy. Juve have already sold Dejan Kulusevski permanently, and they are looking to cash in on Zakaria too.
A deal is close for Zakaria
The hulking midfielder made 11 appearances and played only 700 minutes for Chelsea. He had joined Juventus from Borussia Monchengladbach, but was quickly loaned out to Chelsea six months later.
The Swiss international is a physical player of enormous stature. It wasn’t too long ago that he was thought to be one of the best up and coming players in Europe.
The fact that he seemed unable to settle in Italy should not be held against him. Our own Lucas Paqueta had a failed transfer to AC Milan and had to move to France to resurrect his career.
As for his failed time at Chelsea . . . He was playing at a club in turmoil and it’s difficult to make a case for anyone playing well at that club. There were some seriously talented players who struggled at Stamford Bridge last season.
I suspect Zakaria would be a good fit in the Premier League. Intriguingly, he is a player well known to Tim Steidten who is rumoured to be close to joining West Ham.