15 Steven NZONZI ren FOOTBALL : Rennes vs Lyon - Ligue 1 Uber Eats - 09/01/2021 FEP/Panoramic PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxFRAxITAxBEL
According to Footmercato (h/t The Star), Everton have shown interest in Steven N’Zonzi. The midfielder is on loan at Rennes from AS Roma. However, with clubs showing interest in the former Stoke midfielder, his loan spell could be cut short. Arsenal are said to the other club keeping an eye on him.
N’Zonzi, 31, came through the ranks of Paris Saint-Germain and Caen’s youth system. He made 195 appearances in England’s top division with Blackburn Rovers and Stoke City, following which he switched to Sevilla in the summer of 2015. The player became an integral part of Unai Emery’s side which won the Europa League in 2015/16.
The Frenchman was also a part of the World Cup-winning squad in 2018. He then moved to Roma and after a year with the Italian side, he left on loan to Galatasaray. His loan spell ended early but he was again sent on loan to Rennes for one and a half seasons. Currently, he is a part of the Rennes side and settled in well.
When Everton went all out last summer to secure the signings of Allan, James Rodriguez and Abdoulaye Doucoure, it was seen as a major step forward. As expected, these players have become important cogs in Carlo Ancelotti’s machinery.
The likes of Allan and Doucoure have done the dirty work for the team without a fuss as Everton continue to make an assault for the European places. The newly signed duo have given steel and defensive solidity to the side, something they were sorely lacking before. Their presence has allowed the likes of James Rodrigues, Richarlison and Calvert-Lewin to go about their job with ease.
Let’s not forget Everton also have a few more midfielders waiting in line. The likes of Andre Gomes, Tom Davies and Jean-Philippe Gbamin are there for Ancelotti to call upon. Adding another player of the same profile hardly makes any sense. Steven N’Zonzi plays in the positions currently occupied by Allan and Doucoure.
There is a good chance he can’t oust them given their form and the fact that they were signed a few months back. N’Zonzi might not be a spent force just yet, but at 32, the Frenchman is surely nearing the autumn of his professional career.
It wouldn’t be the worst decision by the club to pass up on the chance to sign N’Zonzi as he isn’t a player they need in the short or long term.