Zola fuels Chelsea rumours by gushing over £40m Bournemouth star

Gianfranco Zola has done little to dampen rumours Chelsea could move for Callum Wilson by speaking of his admiration for the Bournemouth striker ahead of Wednesday’s Carabao Cup quarter-final clash against the Cherries.

The 26-year-old England striker has been linked with a £40m move to Stamford Bridge in January.

Chelsea assistant boss Zola said: “I’m sure there are a lot of players linked with us. Certainly Callum Wilson is doing well for his club and is of interest not only of us but for many.

“He’s strong, fast, and he sees the goal. I like because he’s quick, but also strong in the air, which is a very important quality.

“But I don’t want to go too much into it. He’s doing very well. I’m pleased for him. He has a lot of qualities that can take him a long way.”

Chelsea’s forward issues could be highlighted against Bournemouth, with Alvaro Morata (knee) out and Eden Hazard a doubt with a foot problem, meaning Olivier Giroud could be the only option up front.

Hazard was deployed as a ‘false nine’ against Manchester City and Brighton and will undergo a fitness test.

The congested festive fixture list may mean Hazard is not risked. Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Cesc Fabregas and Gary Cahill could feature.

“Hazard is one of our best players, so to have him available is a big deal, but we don’t want to compromise anything,” Zola added.

Zola expects solid Bournemouth challenge

Chelsea beat the Cherries at the same stage in the same competition 12 months ago, before losing 3-0 at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League little more than a month later.

Zola added: “We know Bournemouth is a dangerous team. They’ve gone far, even from last year. They keep improving.

“A very good coach (Eddie Howe) and a good team. We know the game will have a lot of difficulties.

“With all respect we know our potential, we’re getting better. We’ve had our bad spell, but we’re coming strong from that. We approach the game with a lot of confidence.”

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