Gianfranco Zola appears to have confirmed Chelsea’s interest in Bournemouth striker Callum Wilson.
Wilson has been directly involved in 13 Premier League goals for the Cherries already this season (eight goals and five assists), three more than Chelsea strikers Alvaro Morata and Olivier Giroud combined.
Could Wilson cut it at Chelsea? Five key things to know…
- Callum Wilson joined Bournemouth from Coventry City in 2014.
- Scored 20 goals in 45 Championship games in 2014/15, firing the Cherries to the Premier League.
- Injuries have disrupted Wilson in the top-flight, but he has scored eight goals in 15 Premier League games this season.
- That form helped him earn his first England cap against the USA last month, getting himself on the scoresheet.
- Chelsea assistant Zola has praised Wilson recently, admitting he is “an interest” of the Blues.
This form has helped the 26-year-old break into Gareth Southgate’s England squad, scoring on his debut against the USA in November, as well as reportedly attracting attention from a number of top clubs in the Premier League.
Chelsea are believed to be among that list of club and at a press conference on Tuesday, Blues assistant manager Zola did little to hide his admiration and interest in the striker.
“I’m sure that there are a lot of players, they are linked with us,” the Italian said.
“Certainly Callum Wilson is doing very well for this club and he’s an interest not only for us but for many.”
Chelsea face Wilson’s Bournemouth in the League Cup quarter-final on Wednesday, with Zola clearly doing his research.
“He’s strong, fast and he sees the goal,” he added. “I like [him] because he’s quick but also strong in the air, which is also a very important quality.
“Having said that, I don’t want to go too much into it. He’s doing very well and I’m pleased for him.
“He has a lot of qualities that can take him a long way. I really hope that he keeps improving like this.”
Morata out of League Cup quarter-final, Hazard a doubt
There is no doubting Maurizio Sarri has made a strong start to life at Chelsea, with the club adapting to his ‘Sarrismo’ style very quickly.
However, what would really help Sarri stamp his authority on the club would be a trophy, and the Blues can take another step towards securing that when they face Bournemouth in the League Cup quarter-final on Wednesday evening.
However, Zola has confirmed that they will have to find a way past Eddie Howe’s side without Spanish striker Alvaro Morata.
“Alvaro has a problem, he twisted his knee against Vidi. It won’t take, I believe, long, but he’s not going to be able to be in contention for tomorrow,” Zola said.
The former Italy international also admitted Eden Hazard may miss the game as he is being ‘assessed’ for a foot injury.
“Eden as well has got a knock in his foot,” he continued. “We are assessing him, we are going to decide today.
“Obviously, Hazard is one of our best players, so to have him available is a big deal but we don’t want to compromise anything. We will see, it depends on how the fitness test is going to go today.”
The post Zola admits Chelsea interest in Bournemouth’s Callum Wilson appeared first on Squawka News.
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