26-year-old Chelsea player definitely should be kept at Stamford Bridge next season, he's proven himself - opinion
It is set to be all change at Stamford Bridge next season, as Chelsea owner Todd Boehly prepares to back Graham Potter at the helm.
There will surely be a number of current first team players out of the picture after this campaign, with a clean-out of the dead weight something that is long overdue.
The midfield area is one where a lot of change could be seen. N’golo Kante and Jorginho currently both have contracts that expire at the end of the season.
There is currently belief that the Frenchman is closer to extending his stay at Stamford Bridge, however even he is yet to put pen to paper despite positive talks.
However, there is one midfield option who may well see his time at the club extended to beyond this season.
Denis Zakaria looked set for an uneventful loan spell after not making a single appearance in his first couple of months at the club.
Zakaria has to stay
Now though, the Switzerland international looks the most important member of the side at times, starting in three of the four matches since the World Cup break.
His ability on the ball and to resist the press is of a very similar level to Mateo Kovacic, with the Croatian being praised plenty in the past for his ability to keep possession under pressure.
There were plenty of reports that the club were keen on signing Enzo Fernandez from Benfica to strengthen their options in the central midfield area for the rest of this season and beyond.
The deal reportedly looks off for now, although reports linger that they may return with interest further down the line.
Whether they push for the World Cup winner or not, any deal should certainly not come at the expense of the future of Zakaria, with the club in a position where they should absolutely activate his release clause in the summer.
