Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has held positive talks with Zinedine Zidane about replacing Maurizio Sarri as the Blues’ manager, according to a report.
Sarri is under increasing pressure at Stamford Bridge following hefty defeats to Bournemouth and Manchester City in recent weeks. The former Napoli boss has been criticised for his misuse of star midfielder N’Golo Kante and his public criticism of the squad, and some believe his time in the hotseat is running out.
According to Don Balon, Abramovich has held constructive talks with Zidane about becoming the Blues’ next manager. The ex-Real Madrid coach would be promised total control of the team and some big-name additions in the transfer market.
The report claims Zidane was ‘receptive’ to the talks, as he awaits his first managerial job since unexpectedly leaving Real in the summer. During his three-year reign in the Spanish capital, he led the La Liga giants to three consecutive Champions League titles.
Furthermore, Zidane’s potential arrival at Stamford Bridge could be key to helping Chelsea keep Eden Hazard away from Real Madrid, as the winger continues to be linked with a move to La Liga.