Everton are reportedly set to hold talks with Villarreal winger Samuel Chukwueze on Wednesday as they look to secure a late window splash that could set the Toffees back a club-record fee.
The Toffees are yet to win a game of football this season, having drawn three times and lost twice in their first five games. Their approach to the game at Elland Road on Tuesday night, however, drew an angry reaction from Leeds boss Jesse Marsch. However, there is something to be said about the ballsy approach from Frank Lampard’s side as they fought for every ball in a fiery encounter.
Everton’s side were indebted to another excellently-taken goal from Anthony Gordon. Having made his name last season under Lampard, he’s a player who has got better and better this season. Indeed, the winger already has two goals to his name already this season.
And it’s little surprise to see Chelsea casting admiring glances his way amid talk of a £60m approach. Lampard, however, is in no mood to entertain his sale at this late stage in the window.
Despite the likelihood of Gordon sticking around, Everton are still looking to boost their wide options this summer.
Indeed, they have been linked with a move for PSV winger Cody Gakpo, who is rated in the £40m barrier.
However, competition for the Netherlands winger is fierce. Manchester United and Arsenal have also been credited with an interest. And Leeds and Southampton are also reportedly looking to sign the player in the closing hours of the window.
Their reported interest, however, may be only a smokescreen, with the Toffees on the trail for Chukwueze, per reports in Spain.
Samuel Chukwueze set for Everton talks
Indeed, Lampard and Co are reportedly making a late play to bring the 23-year-old Nigerian to Goodison Park.
As per journalist Xavi Sidro, Everton and Villarreal are ready to sit down on Wednesday to discuss a deal for Chukwueze.
Speaking to El Larguero, he claims the Yellow Submarine are willing to cash in on Chukwueze with just hours left in the window.
He is contracted to the club for two more seasons. But with the winger unlikely to sign an extension, Villarreal know his valuation will decrease as it nears its expiry.
His release clause currently stands at £68.5m (€80m), though they are reportedly willing to discuss his sale for less. That said, any possible raid will likely set Everton back a new transfer record. Their current record fee stands at the £44.5m paid to Swansea for Gylfi Sigurdsson.
Any deal for Chukwueze will surely set the Toffees back a new record sum, amid claims they are seeking as much as £51.5m (€60m) for the winger.
Furthermore, Villarreal already reportedly know Chukwueze’s successor.
Per El Larguero, they are looking at Celta Vigo’s Denis Suarez as a replacement.
Winger would be quality addition for Lampard
With Neal Maupay in the bag, the signing of Chukwueze would hand Lampard some exciting options.
With Gordon on one wing and Chukwueze on the other, Everton would carry a genuine attacking threat. They would also have the lively Demari Gray in reserve. And Andros Townsend is another option once he recovers from a knee injury.
There’s no doubting that Chukwueze would prove a box office addition.
He managed seven goals and three assists in 38 games last season. And the Nigerian has 25 notches in 162 games for the club overrall.
A player who can create openings, beat his man and make space for others, he would be an excellent addition for Everton.
However, is the player worth it? Everton sacrificed Richarlison earlier this summer to generate transfer funds. If the money is right, then signing both Maupay and Samuel Chukwueze would represent decent business
