Chelsea Transfer News: Latest Steven N'Zonzi, John Stones, Romelu Lukaku Rumours

Chelsea will reportedly launch a shock bid to bring Sevilla man Steven N’Zonzi back to the Premier League next season.

That’s according to Mike McGrath of the Sun on Sunday, who has noted that incoming manager Antonio Conte is keen to add some quality to their defensive-midfield options and is a fan of the former Stoke City star. The Frenchman is said to be available for £21 million due to a clause in his contract.

N’Zonzi is certainly a player that knows English football well. He joined Blackburn Rovers in 2009 before moving to the Potters in 2012, excelling at the Britannia Stadium.

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There are a lot of attributes to like in the 27-year-old’s game. N’Zonzi’s physicality makes him stand out in midfield battles, as he’s able to win duels and barge opponents out of possession. But he’s also gifted technically, meaning he can take the ball in tight areas and find clever passes into team-mates.

Standing at 6'2", he is also a player that’s hugely effective in the air, as these numbers from WhoScored.com illustrate:

Having seen him featuring for the likes of Stoke and Blackburn down the years the prospect of landing N’Zonzi may be a little underwhelming for a lot of Blues supporters. But he was outstanding during his final season with the Potters and has continued his progression with the Andalusian outfit.

It’d be a safe signing for Conte. The Frenchman knows English football well, is proven in the division and shown at Sevilla that he’s the kind of player who benefits from having better players around him. Alongside someone such as Cesc Fabregas in the heart of the Chelsea midfield, he’d potentially be a brilliant foil.

Everton to Fight for Romelu Lukaku, John Stones Stay

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According to Steve Bates of the Sunday People (h/t the Sunday Mirror) Ronald Koeman will do his utmost to keep John Stones and Romelu Lukaku at Everton should he be confirmed as the club’s new manager.

It’s stated in the report that Everton are edging closer to a deal with Southampton to get the Dutchman on board to replace Roberto Martinez. “Koeman will attempt to make contact with the pair before UEFA Euro 2016 starts on Friday to outline his plans to move Everton forward,” it's added.

As noted by Bates, the Blues have long been linked with a move for Stones, while Lukaku is keen on joining his former club ahead of next season, according to Miguel Delaney of ESPN FC.

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Koeman’s potential appointment will only lessen Chelsea’s chances of landing either player. For Everton to have convinced the Dutchman to depart the Saints for Goodison Park you suspect he would have been handed assurances when it comes to keeping key players; each man is tied down to a long-term contract, too.

As noted by Bleacher Report UK, Stones is a defender that former England striker Michael Owen rates very highly indeed:

Lukaku is clearly a very exciting player, having netted 18 Premier League goals last season. But for the second campaign in a row his form tailed off badly towards the back end of the term. It’s a trait that could prevent the Blues from parting with the kind of big money that Everton will undeniably want for his services.

Chelsea would benefit from bringing in both players, as some youthful exuberance would be a huge boost at both ends of the pitch. But with some renewed ambition and an exciting manager set to be acquired, Everton will surely be even more determined to cling on to the likes of Lukaku and Stones this summer.