Chelsea’s need for a midfielder after the sale of Nemanja Matic, as well as Steven N’Zonzi’s similar playing style, saw the Blues linked with the Sevilla star multiple times through the summer. But by the time the window closed earlier this week the 28 year old was still in Spain, despite his release clause of just €40m
In the end Chelsea ended up with Danny Drinkwater for £35m, a high price to pay but one that makes sense given today’s market and the vital Homegrown Status that he possesses. But the fact that N’Zonzi could have been signed for barely any more is frustrating – if Oxlade Chamberlain had decided to gamble on moving to Chelsea the need for English talent would have been less, and perhaps the board would have gone for the Frenchman instead.
Today’s Estadio Deportivo reveals that there was indeed a late offer for their midfield octopus, but it came from Paris rather than London, with Unai Emery looking to bring his former charge to the French capital. But seeing as none of the interested teams – Chelsea included, met the bid necessary to trigger his clause. So for another season, the fans at Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan get to keep hold of one of their key cogs.
