Aston Villa and Wolverhampton Wanderers have expressed interest in securing FC Nantes defender Nathan Zeze, a player rapidly gaining attention for his skill and maturity on the field at just 19 years old. According to TBR Football, Villa and Wolves are not alone in their pursuit of Zeze, as Premier League heavyweights Liverpool and Chelsea are also keen to acquire the promising French defender..
This intense competition highlights Zeze’s growing reputation as one of Europe’s top young talents, whose potential could prove pivotal for any club fortunate enough to land his signature.
Zeze made his professional breakthrough with Nantes during the 2023/24 season, and since then, he has established himself as a reliable presence in Ligue 1. Accumulating a total of 1,022 minutes last season, Zeze has become a mainstay in the current campaign, starting in six matches and already logging 540 minutes. His towering 6-foot-3 frame and impressive athleticism have given him a competitive edge, and his performance in Nantes’ recent 1-1 draw with Nice solidified his growing reputation. In that match, he completed six successful tackles, which was the second-highest by any player in the French league this season, showcasing his effectiveness and composure under pressure.
Aston Villa and Wolves have both identified Zeze as a target to strengthen their defensive lines, and their interest makes sense given the youngster’s promising profile. Zeze follows in the footsteps of numerous French defenders who have successfully transitioned to the Premier League, and his future could lie in England as he contemplates the next step in his career. Reports indicate that Villa’s pursuit of Zeze is influenced by Tyrone Mings’ performance upon his return from an ACL injury suffered in the first match of the 2023/24 season. If Mings can make a strong comeback, Villa might hold off on investing heavily in another central defender, but if there are any doubts, Zeze could be the ideal addition to Villa’s backline.
For Wolves, the interest in Zeze is more pressing. The club has yet to sign a replacement for Max Kilman, who moved to West Ham over the summer, leaving Wolves’ defense vulnerable. Their defensive frailties have been glaring, with Wolves conceding a league-high 25 goals, underscoring their need for a defensive reinforcement. Zeze’s arrival could bolster their options, giving them the strength and depth necessary to navigate the challenging Premier League campaign.
It’s not just Premier League clubs outside the top six vying for Zeze’s signature; Liverpool and Chelsea have also been monitoring the French defender. Liverpool, in particular, reportedly views Zeze as a potential long-term replacement for Virgil van Dijk. With the Dutchman’s future uncertain and age becoming a factor, Liverpool might look to secure a young, high-potential defender who can eventually fill Van Dijk’s shoes. Zeze’s skill set and physical attributes make him a suitable candidate to step into such a role, and the Reds are likely to stay aggressive in pursuing the young talent as competition heats up.
The Frenchman’s interest across Europe extends beyond the Premier League as well. Arsenal has reportedly entered the mix, though their level of interest compared to the likes of Liverpool and Villa is less certain. The rising demand for Zeze’s signature could result in a bidding war, with Nantes potentially entertaining offers exceeding their initial valuation. During the summer, it was reported that West Ham had lodged a £17 million bid for Zeze, but Nantes held firm, citing a valuation closer to €30 million. Now, with clubs from England and potentially beyond showing strong interest, Nantes may stand to secure an even higher transfer fee for one of their most promising assets.
Zeze’s growing reputation as a dependable, physical defender fits within a broader trend of young French center-backs making waves in European football. Alongside players like Manchester United’s Lenny Yoro and RB Leipzig’s El Chadaille Bitshiabu, Zeze is part of an “incredible” talent pool of French defenders born in 2005, emerging as one of the most exciting groups of young defenders in recent memory. Nantes has developed several notable players over the years, and Zeze is being hailed as one of their finest academy products since Quentin Merlin, who recently moved to Marseille after making a name for himself with the Canaries.
The interest in Zeze underscores the growing importance of investing in young defensive talent, particularly as the demands of modern football place increased emphasis on physicality, adaptability, and ball-playing ability in center-backs. At 6-foot-3, Zeze has the height and strength to contend with Premier League attackers, and his recent performances reflect a level of maturity that belies his age. As clubs look for defenders who can slot into their systems and develop further, Zeze’s ability to perform under pressure and read the game positions him as a highly valuable asset.
Villa and Wolves both stand to benefit significantly if they can secure Zeze’s signature. For Villa, signing Zeze could provide depth and long-term stability in their defense, especially if Mings’ injury affects his performance upon his return. Emery has shown a willingness to invest in young talent, and bringing in a player like Zeze could strengthen Villa’s defensive core for years to come. With European football on their radar, Villa will need defensive solidity, and Zeze’s composure and physicality could make him a key figure in their squad.
Wolves, on the other hand, find themselves in a more urgent situation. With defensive vulnerabilities plaguing their season, they need reinforcements who can step in and make an impact right away. Zeze’s experience in Ligue 1 and his proven ability to handle pressure make him an ideal candidate to help shore up Wolves’ defense. Manager Gary O’Neil has struggled to find consistent defensive options, and adding Zeze to the squad could be a significant step in the right direction.
As Premier League clubs ramp up their scouting efforts for promising defenders, Zeze’s name is likely to remain prominent. His market value continues to rise as his performances draw more attention, and Nantes will be aware that they hold one of the most in-demand young defenders in Europe. The upcoming transfer window could see a fierce battle for Zeze’s signature, as clubs look to invest in a defender who has the potential to grow into a top-tier player. For Villa, Wolves, Liverpool, and Chelsea, securing Zeze would not only add defensive depth but also represent a long-term investment in a player capable of competing at the highest levels.
In conclusion, Nathan Zeze’s meteoric rise at FC Nantes has made him one of the most sought-after defenders among top European clubs. His skill, composure, and physical attributes have drawn interest from Aston Villa, Wolves, Liverpool, and Chelsea, each eager to bolster their defensive options. Nantes may entertain a bidding war as interest in Zeze intensifies, potentially securing a substantial transfer fee. Whether he joins Villa to supplement their backline, shores up Wolves’ struggling defense, or steps in as a future replacement for Liverpool’s Van Dijk, Zeze’s future is bright, and his journey to the Premier League seems almost inevitable.