Antonio Conte is expecting a good influx of players next season and he would definitely prefer someone from the league who wouldn’t need much grooming to start firing right from the first day; which explains Chelsea’s increasing desperation to land Everton star Romelu Lukaku.
And if recent reports are to be believed, the Blues are now preparing a massive bid of £100million for the Toffees’ attacking duo Lukaku and Ross Barkley. Ronald Koeman’s recent statements concerning cashing in on the 23-year-old, if he doesn’t want to extend his contract with the Merseyside club, has pretty much alerted Chelsea.
The Dutchman said, “He needs to sign a new contract or you sell the player. It’s not an ultimatum. It is up to the club to get the deal over the line. Yes or no – it is a decision by the player… Ross is a boy from Everton, and what we need to show to him is the best reasons to stay.”
Barkley has been outstanding this season after starting the season slowly following an injury. But, with the progress he has shown his mettle, fooling his markers quite often with unpredictable passing and inch-perfect crosses. He has provided seven assists so far, scoring four goals and was pretty much the star for Everton in their last win over West Bromwich Albion. Everton qualifying for the Europa League could be a huge factor for the youth product to stay at Goodison Park.
The England international has been the best man for them up front and his next aim is to win trophies, as he recently stated, “You cannot only be remembered for scoring goals, you want to be remembered by winning trophies.”
Barkley has just 15 months left on his contract and if Everton fail to retain him, they would have to part ways with probably one of their best academy products for absolutely nothing, which would hurt more than anything. Barkley is also Manchester United’s prime target for next season; however, Chelsea will clearly edge them out if they compete.
Diego Costa’s future in England is highly doubtful and though Conte stopped the Spanish international from leaving for the Far East last winter, it looks exceedingly difficult in the summer. And given his lack of chances in Spain’s national team, he would have little problems moving to China if they come calling again.
Barkley would add a tremendous amount of pace to Chelsea attack if he moves to Stamford Bridge and could be a really good bargain. Pretty much like Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, the youngster relies heavily on agility and strength and his passing range has only improved in the last few seasons and his brilliant coordination with Lukaku is the main reason Chelsea are willing to shell out the mammoth fee this summer.
