STEVEN N’ZONZI is not perhaps the big name signing many Chelsea fans are hoping for, but the former Stoke man is in the sights of new Blues boss Antonio Conte, according to The Sun.
The 27-year-old has just enjoyed a superb season at Sevilla, helping the La Liga outfit claim a third successive Europa League title and Conte – who will take charge at Stamford Bridge after completing his duties as Italy manager at Euro 2016 – believes the tough-tackling defensive midfielder is what he needs.
Premier League champions Leicester are also interested, according to the Sun, boss Claudio Ranieri seeing him as an ideal replacement should N’Golo Kante leave the Foxes.
N’Zonzi, who also spent time at Blackburn during a six-year stint in England, joined Sevilla for £7million, but now has a release clause of £21million.
As well as being a strong physical presence who is powerful in the air, he is also skilful and comfortable on the ball, while his experience in the Premier League means he should be able to slot seamlessly back into the English game.
Like Sevilla, Leicester will be able to offer Champions League football next term, but the lure of Chelsea and the prospect of being part of a rebuilding process under Conte may prove too strong.
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