Official: Chelsea sign Zakaria from Juventus as Alonso leaves

Robin Bairner

Updated: 1 Sep 2022 19:24 CDT
3 min read

Denis Zakaria, Juventus, 2022/23 — © ProShots

Chelsea have confirmed they have signed Denis Zakaria on loan from Juventus for the duration of the 2022/23 season.

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The Blues have an option to buy the midfielder, with this priced at £30 million.

Zakaria is the second major arrival of Deadline Day for Chelsea, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang joining from Barcelona. Both deals were announced well after the close of the window, but the appropriate paperwork had been put in place.

Meanwhile, Marcos Alonso has been released by the club, paving the way for a move to Barcelona.

Chelsea sign Zakaria

After after 1am local time, Chelsea announced the dramatic late arrival of Zakaria via a statement on their official website.

"Swiss international Denis Zakaria has joined Chelsea on loan from Juventus for the remainder of the 2022/23 campaign, with an option of a permanent transfer at the end of the season," the club indicated.

It is a deal that has been greeted with enthusiasm by chairman Todd Boehly, who stated: "Denis is a talented midfielder with lots of quality and skill. He will add depth and range to our squad this season, and we are looking forward to watching him play in Chelsea blue."

Alonso sets up Barcelona transfer

Marcos Alonso, meanwhile, is primed to join Barcelona after his contract at Stamford Bridge was terminated by mutual consent.

It was announced by the Blues via their official website, which noted: "A fan’s favourite because of his love for the big occasion, Alonso netted iconic late winners against both Tottenham and Arsenal. In all, he scored six of his 29 Chelsea goals against our north London rivals, with a further two strikes at Old Trafford, as well as a stoppage-time winner away to Manchester City.

Marcos Alonso has left Chelsea by mutual consent, ending a six-year association with the club.

Everyone would like to thank Marcos for his service to the Blues and wish him all the very best for the rest of his career. 💙
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) September 2, 2022

"A thoughtful and extremely likeable man off the pitch, Alonso was the epitome of suave around Cobham, but it is his impact in the final third that will linger longest in the mind when his six thoroughly successful seasons in SW6 are reflected upon in the years to come.

"Everyone at Chelsea Football Club would like to thank Marcos for his service to the Blues and wish him all the very best for the rest of his career."

Alonso is expected to join Barcelona on Friday.