Football news - Paper Round: Chelsea want Zidane to replace Sarri

Chelsea are considering their options if they choose to sack Maurizio Sarri. Sarri has been under pressure over the last two months after a run of poor performances, and could be entering the final months of his Chelsea contract. Executives at Stamford Bridge are considering former Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane as his replacement, as he is unattached and keen on a move to the Premier League, claim the Sun.

Paper Round’s view: Zidane won three consecutive Champions League titles, putting him ahead of any manager, including Spanish legend Pep Guardiola. He did so with a squad of players who were happy to ditch Rafael Benitez, and he united them so successfully that he was able to coach them to unprecedented success. Even if Sarri was doing well at Chelsea then it would still make sense to make a move for Zidane.

Real Madrid are confident over the signing of Chelsea forward Eden Hazard. The 28-year-old Belgian international has been linked with the European champions for the past two seasons, and they now think that troubles with Maurizio Sarri at Stamford Bridge will aid their pursuit. Additionally, the Mirror claim that Juventus could offer Chelsea a cut-price deal over Gonzalo Higuain to get him off their books.

Paper Round’s view: Hazard would appear unlikely to stay in London beyond the rest of the season, having seen his club struggle for European success. Real can offer him a better hope of success in the Champions League, so will probably prise him away. Higuain, however, could also leave if his favoured boss Sarri does not last much longer at the club.

After the body of Emiliano Sala was discovered in the plane that crashed as he attempted to return to Britain, his new club Cardiff City are moving closer to paying the transfer fee to Nantes. The Mirror report that Mehmet Dalman, the Welsh club’s chairman, will pay if he belives the side are ‘contractually obliged’ to do so.

Paper Round’s view: It is unfortunate that the details of the transfer are being played out in public, given the hurt it could cause his friends and family. However, both Cardiff and Nantes are negotiating a difficult situation with competing demands for their resources and money, and the best outcome for everyone involved would be a swift and amicable solution.

Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil is on the market, with intermediaries contacting clubs in order to attract interest. The German midfielder has failed to cement his place in Unai Emery’s plans, and was linked with a move away in the winter transfer window. The Telegraph believes that clubs in both Italy and China are possible destinations as Arsenal look to raise funds for next season.

Paper Round’s view: Ozil is a wonderful player when he is used properly and made the focus of the side. Emery - and this is not necessarily the wrong decision - has decided to concentrate on other players as the most important part of his system. Trimming the wage budget of both Ozil and Aaron Ramsey will allow Emery to invest in other positions ahead of next season.