Everton transfer blow as Frank Lampard tells Chelsea not to sell Kurt Zouma

New Chelsea boss Frank Lampard has stressed that he doesn’t want the club to sell Kurt Zouma.

The defender spent last season on loan at Everton and the season before at Stoke as he often found himself out of his managers’ plans. However, Lampard has insisted that will not be the case in 2019-20.

A big season for returning loanees? 5 things to know…

• Kurt Zouma was an important figure under Jose Mourinho before a serious knee injury.
• Zouma, Tammy Abraham, Mason Mount and Reece James all impressed out on loan last season.
• Chelsea have a transfer ban, meaning they are unable to sign players.
• Frank Lampard was a big advocate of youth when he was in charge at Derby.
• The Blues had a whopping 41 players out on loan during 2018/19.

Speaking after Chelsea’s 1-0 defeat to Kawasaki Frontale on Friday, Lampard said: “In terms of Kurt Zouma, he’s a very good defender for us, very good player, very good person and professional.

“I want him here, simple as that.

“We are competitive with the centre-backs we have in the team and he had a very good season at Everton and I can understand why they want him.

“He’s a Chelsea player and I want him.”

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Can Zouma seize his chance?

When Chelsea signed Zouma back in 2014, the Frenchman was hotly tipped to become one of the best defenders in the world. He was just starting to make a real mark on the Premier League when a freak injury. after landing awkwardly, ruptured a ligament in his knee.

Since then, he has barely featured for the Blues. He spent 2017/18 at Stoke (where he was relegated) and then at Everton last season. After finally getting some consistent gametime at centre-back, Zouma has started to look like he could fulfil his potential.

The departure of Gary Cahill on a free transfer has left a hole that needs filling and it appears Zouma is that man. Whether he can displace Christensen, Luiz or Rudiger remains to be seen, but with Lampard wanting the defender to stay he may well get his chance.