Chelsea is racing to rush through a deal for Everton star Ross Barkley so that they can ensure that Tottenham doesn’t beat them there first.
The 24-year-old came extremely close to a move during the summer transfer window, with Chelsea the main horse in the race. But now it looks like Everton playmaker Ross Barkley could become Chelsea’s second signing of the January transfer window. According to reports from the Telegraph, the Blues submitted a deal late last night, in a hurry to rush things.
With both Tottenham and even Arsenal interested in the England playmaker, the Blues want a swift resolution to the transfer rather than spend the entire January window. According to report, Antonio Conte is willing to shell out £15 million to cut a deal this month, and the deal could be complete as soon as Friday with suggestions that Barkley was in London.
The Telegraph and even the Metro further added that Chelsea is very confident of signing the Everton man. However, with Everton boss Sam Allardyce confirming that Barkley would leave the club it looks like the Blues are in prime position as of right now. Allardyce went on to say, “The club was resigned before I got here that they were going to lose Ross. I can’t see that changing.”
With Antonio Conte frustrated with the Chelsea board, after not getting the targets he wanted including watching Tottenham steal Fernando Llorente on deadline day from under their noses, Romelu Lukaku chose to go to Manchester United instead. However, now it looks like Conte’s words have been heard by the board as they go after one of his main transfer targets.
Ross Barkley Stats in 2017
Goals: 28
Assists: 37
Dribbles Completed: 201
Chances Created 135
Saves: 200
Tackles: 67
Interceptions: 47#WelcomeToChelsea ⚪️ pic.twitter.com/jYs9I9fgyP— ⁹ (@DeadlyMorata) January 1, 2018
The England international has less than six months left on his contract at Goodison Park and Tottenham was hoping to get him for free in the summer. Chelsea did chase Ross Barkley signature during the summer window and there were even reports of a £35 million bid for the 24-year-old, but it never materialized.
While the Evertonian has been out injured for first half of the season, he has resumed training and thus will be available to play in all four competitions for the Blues.
Author’s take:
Ross Barkley’s arrival would give Chelsea a massive midfield boost and he would be the perfect long-term replacement for 30-year-old Cesc Fabregas. Not just that, former Chelsea technical director Michael Emenalo had identified Barkley as a special talent (he also identified Eden Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne, among others) and even suggested the 24-year-old to Antonio Conte as a potential target.
The post Chelsea on the brink of signing £35 million Rated Premier League star appeared first on The12thMan.
