Chelsea Transfer News: Kurt Zouma Targeted Amid John Stones Bid Rumours

Serie A side Fiorentina are reportedly lining up a January move for Chelsea centre-back Kurt Zouma as the Blues prepare a fifth bid for Everton's John Stones.

According to Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport (h/t Marc Williams in the Daily Star), Fiorentina considered making an approach for Zouma in the recently-closed summer transfer window and will return "to make a fresh offer in 2016."

In all likelihood only a mammoth bid from the Italian outfit could persuade the Premier League champions to part with the 20-year-old Frenchman.

The Blues signed Zouma from St. Etienne for £12 million in January 2014 and he seems to be very much a part of manager Jose Mourinho's long-term plans.

He has already been given more responsibility in the 2015-16 season having played some part in all four of Chelsea's Premier League games thus far, per WhoScored.com. 

However, the defensive situation at Stamford Bridge is currently somewhat baffling. So solid as they cruised to the Premier League title last season, the Blues have conceded nine goals already in the new term.

The ageing John Terry has been hauled off at half-time by Mourinho and picked up a red card, while the previously brilliant Branislav Ivanovic has looked a shadow of his former self, per FourFourTweet:

It is little surprise, then, that Chelsea went after Stones so vehemently in the transfer window, but they failed with four bids for the England international.

Their failure to snap up Stones was a big blow for Chelsea, per Bleacher Report's Sam Tighe:

However, the Blues have not given up on signing the 21-year-old who looks to be the heir apparent to Terry in west London.

According to Steve Stammers in the Mirror, Chelsea will return with a fifth bid for Stones in January. It will likely have to be around the £40 million mark if they are to get their man as Stones still has almost four years left on his contract at Goodison Park. 

He may well be worth it in the long term. Stones is already showing signs of maturity and defensive prowess often lacking in young centre-backs.

With Chelsea's defence more vulnerable than ever under Mourinho, Stones could be an essential addition in January. But holding on to Zouma will also be vital as Chelsea plan for a future without the likes of Terry and Ivanovic.