New Chelsea signing Denis Zakaria has revealed his dream to move to Stamford Bridge, while head coach Thomas Tuchel admits that he is keen to avoid a repeat of Saul Niguez's loan spell last season.
The 25-year-old made a late move to join Tuchel's side on deadline day, arriving on a loan deal from Juventus with an option to buy.
The Swiss international failed to find his feet in Turin but enjoyed a successful spell at Borussia Monchengladbach, with Tuchel knowing him well from his time in Germany.
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Zakaria is unlikely to be available when Chelsea face West Ham on Saturday due to work permit issues, but could make his debut against Dinamo Zagreb on Tuesday.
Speaking to Chelsea FC after signing for the club, Zakaria revealed that it was his dream move.
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He said: "I’m a player with offensive thinking. I always want to play in front. I’m stronger in defensive (situations).
"It was always my dream to play in the Premier League at a big club like Chelsea. It’s amazing for me, I’m really happy and proud.
"It’s amazing for me, it’s a dream to be here. I’m very proud and happy. I will give 100% for this club. I want to win. I will make everything for that."
With the midfielder full of excitement following his move, Chelsea head coach Tuchel is keen to ensure that his loan does not follow the path of Saul's last season.
The Spaniard failed to adapt to the intensity of football in England and returned to Atletico Madrid this season despite an option to buy in his contract.
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Speaking to The Evening Standard, Tuchel said: "There's always a risk in everything and in every last-minute deal.
"This was an option that came in very late.
“He played for Monchengladbach in a back four as a central defender even, he can play in a back three as a defender. He can play both positions in midfield."
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The German continued to compare the deal with the one that saw Saul become a Chelsea player last season, but admitted that Zakaria's versatility and physicality could give him the advantage over the Spaniard.
“He can play at even wing-back because he is fast enough and has the volume so I think giving the risks that you mentioned with Saul, he has a bit more positions to play in and a bit more of a physical profile hopefully.”
Chelsea will be hoping that the loan move goes well, with Mateo Kovacic and N'Golo Kante struggling to keep fit so far this season.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek also picked up a knock against Southampton but appears to have recovered in time to face West Ham.
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Topics: Chelsea, Thomas Tuchel, Juventus, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Transfers, Football
Nick Emms