Zidane hails Chelsea star as a 'quality player' after France beat Belgium in international win

From the Newshound archive · first published 7 October 2026.

Zinedine Zidane publicly praised the Chelsea star following France's victory over Belgium, a striking endorsement that will only intensify speculation over the player's future at club level. The player previously admitted that Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel "didn't seem too happy" with him during an England appearance, suggesting a growing tension over his international commitments.

Arsenal and Chelsea have emerged as the 'strongest contenders' to sign Barcelona defender Jules Kounde, who has fallen behind Joao Cancelo in Hansi Flick's pecking order.

Kounde, 27, is 'highly valued' in the Premier League for his versatility at full-back and centre-half, with Manchester United, City and Liverpool also tracking him.

Chelsea are separately in talks over an upgrade to their Cobham training ground, with their owners' plans now revealed.