Chelsea Transfer News: Charly Musonda Wants to Extend Loan, Latest Rumours

Chelsea loanee Charly Musonda has revealed he wants to extend his loan with Real Betis, while the latest transfer rumours say Antonio Conte hopes to move for Juventus striker Simone Zaza if he becomes the next Blues manager.

Musonda has enjoyed a sensational start to his loan spell with Betis, impressing greatly in a wide role, and the young Belgian has told Canal Sur (h/t Daily Star's Chisanga Malata) he hopes he can stay in La Liga next year:

"

I want to stay at Betis. It’s in my head now, but next year I don’t know what will happen.

I’m happy here, the Beticos want me. You never know about the future, but it’s possible that I can stay. It’s better to play here than in Chelsea’s second team.

My favourite clubs are from here, from Spain. Since I was young I liked Barcelona and Real Madrid.

I learned Spanish so I could come here. I play for Betis and I am happy.

"

Musonda moved to Betis in January in search of more playing time, and they immediately dropped him into the starting XI for the match against Valencia. Betis won that match, and Musonda impressed out on the right wing. He has been a regular starter ever since. Betis are unbeaten with him in the starting XI.

The 19-year-old has long been touted as one of Chelsea's most talented youngsters, but despite a number of solid showings with the second team, first-team opportunities have always been rare for Musonda.

Things are quite different in Spain, where he has become hugely popular in a short span, per MailOnline's Pete Jenson:

"

Betis supporters have printed Musonda face masks that they wear at games. He has dazzled them on the pitch and impressed them off it by speaking Spanish to a decent level. ...

Betis coach Juan Merino said after the show he put on against Espanyol: “I wish we had the option to buy him, he is fantastic.” There is no chance of that unfortunately for cash-strapped Betis. He will be back at Chelsea at the end of the season and they must decide to keep him and give him the first team chances he craves or sell him. 

His price is rising with every performance and with Belgium coach Marc Wilmots in the crowd on Thursday with a view to giving him an international call-up the valuation is only moving in one direction. 

"

Count Andrew Gaffney of Yahoo Sport UK among the host of pundits impressed with the youngster:

Given Musonda's struggles to find playing time in west London and his superb reception in Spain, it's easy to see why he's so eager to stay with Betis for now. The teenager has spent the last few years waiting for an opportunity that never came at Stamford Bridge―few players would wish to return to such a situation.

There's little doubt Musonda will get an opportunity with his parent club at some point in the future. Despite his obvious talent, he's still quite young, and it's unsure whether that opportunity would come soon.

In Spain, he's appreciated and something of a cult hero, and after just a handful of matches in La Liga, he's already close to getting called up for Belgium's national team. Here's a look at what he's been up to in Spain:

Chelsea will have to make a choice at the end of the season, and for the sake of Musonda's development, an extended stay in Spain may be the best option.

Simone Zaza Eyed?

GIUSEPPE CACACE/Getty Images

Tuttomercatoweb (h/t Metro's Max Miller) claims Conte would want to bring Zaza with him to Stamford Bridge if he took over the managerial role from Guus Hiddink, dashing Arsenal's hopes of moving for the 24-year-old.

Zaza joined Juventus last summer and has enjoyed a solid first season in Turin, despite seeing the bulk of his minutes as a substitute. As an athletic, powerful striker, the Old Lady have been using him as an energetic force off the bench, showing his quality by scoring the winner against Napoli in February.

Here's a look at some of his highlights:

The Italy international plays with an incredible energy and a high work rate, which results in a lot of fouls and bookings that go along with the goals. He fulfills a specific role for the Bianconeri, but given his lack of consistent minutes, a summer move can never be ruled out.

Chelsea would make for an odd destination, however. The Blues could use an upgrade at the striker position, where the depth behind Diego Costa is limited, but it's hard to see Zaza settle into another role as a backup after the season he's having with Juventus.

If the former Sassuolo man does leave Turin, it will be to chase a starting position. And unless Conte doesn't rate Costa, he won't be able to guarantee such a role at Chelsea.

Follow @ReverschPass