91% Tackle Success And 36 Headers Won: Chelsea Line Up £10m Defender, But What Could He Offer The Blues?

Chelsea's 'problems' seem to be in their forward berths this season, as the Blues' front three have scored just five goals between them this season, but the Mirror are linking the west London club with a centre-back in the shape of Kurt Zouma who plies his trade at Saint-Etienne.

But what could he offer the club?

Despite being only 19, Zouma has already played 60 games fot the French club in the two-and-a-bit seasons that he has being playing in the first team.

He's an incredibly strong player who has won a remarkable 91% of his tackles, while also averaging 11 defensive actions per Ligue 1 appearance. Those actions consist of 102 clearances in just 11 outings, 11 interceptions and nine blocks.

The first thing that strikes you about Zouma is his dominance in the air. Standing at 6ft4 it's no surprise that he's won 36 of his 45 headed duels this season.

He's also comfortable with the ball at his feet, completing 86% of the passes that he's attempted.

He seems the natural fit to replace John Terry at the back as the skipper continues to age, but it could be a shrewd move to get him in while Terry is still at Stamford Bridge to learn from the experienced centre-halves.

There is nothing that tells me this move wouldn't work out should it happen and could really boost their defensive ambitions this season.

stats via Squawka