Chelsea could use Christian Pulisic in a straight swap deal to sign Roma winger Nicolo Zaniolo, according to reports in the Italian media.
Pulisic is out of favour under manager Thomas Tuchel and there is a possibility that the American international could leave before the transfer window shuts.
However, the prospect of bringing in Zaniolo as his replacement has led to a fierce debate among supporters on Twitter:
Omdddsss…. Great deal . Let’s act fast but not swapping puli
— BREZZIAN ❼ (@CFC_Brezzian) August 11, 2022
He is fragile too
— RAFA⭐️⭐️🇵🇹 🕺 (@rafaelinho999) August 11, 2022
Brilliant. The wheels ate turning. Exciting days ahead.
— Sanjeev Jasani 🔥🔥🔥 (@sanjeevjasani) August 11, 2022
This guy will flop tbh.
— AMPLE LOVE (@b_neliswa) August 11, 2022
I like this @ChelseaFC
— sponge (@QwesiLebron) August 11, 2022
Zaniolo injury prone, glass legs
— Remaja Jompo (@aLitSadewo) August 11, 2022
This is absolute nonsense. Even if this true why would you swap on injury prone player for another one.
— Claudia Boachie🇬🇭 (@ClaudiaBoachie) August 11, 2022
For real, if Zaniolo is on the market, we should be on that
— Eniola Adeoyolanu (@EAdeoyolanu) August 11, 2022
It would be a big mistake
— Enzo d' Boogeyman 🌈 (@mr_enzo01) August 11, 2022
As some fans have pointed out, Zaniolo has had his own troubles with injuries over the past few years and it would be surprising if Tuchel was interested in recruiting the Italian. considering his fitness record is similar to Pulisic’s.
The Roma star didn’t exactly excel in Serie A last season either, scoring just two goals and providing five assists in 28 appearances. Most of his standout performances came in the UEFA Conference League and that can hardly be used as a barometer for how well he could fare in the English top flight.