Speaking ahead of Chelsea’s clash with Bournemouth in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday, Blues assistant Zola admitted the club were looking to sign the England striker, 26, in a deal that could be worth around £30million.
“I’m sure there are a lot of players that are linked with us,” the Italian said.
“Certainly, Callum Wilson is doing very well for his club. He is an interest not only for us but for many.”
And Howe appeared to be unhappy as he said he confronted Zola about his comments.
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“I spoke to Gianfranco afterwards and yeah we had a little chat about that situation,” he said.
“But Gianfranco is an incredible person and a really nice guy.
“And, you know, Callum from our perspective is a huge part of what we are doing here.”
Howe’s side travel to Brighton on Saturday having lost six of their last seven games in the Premier League.
The clash sees Glenn Murray return to the club where he spent two years playing under Howe.
Murray has been in fine from this season with eight goals – as many as Wilson has managed for the Cherries.
And Howe says he had been impressed by his former player, 35, this term.
“He’s done very, very well,” the Cherries chief added.
“I think it is worth noting that Glenn contributed some big goals for us, particularly the one against Chelsea (the winner at Stamford Bridge in December 2015) which was particularly memorable for me and our supporters.
“That was a huge game and a huge win, one that gave us the belief that we could win anywhere.
“During that season he contributed some really big moments for us.
“He has gone away and done incredibly well to continue to score goals at the very highest level, especially because of the fact that he is getting older.
“But he’s managed to adapt to that stage of his career superbly well and full credit to him.”