Despite having one of the best seasons in their recent past of Premier League, Everton look powerless in stopping their best players from leaving Goodison Park at the end of the campaign.
If only 2017 is taken to consideration, Everton tops the Premier League table. The winter transfers have really turned the tables for the Merseyside club as they have won seven of their nine league games in the New Year. Koeman could really take them to the Europa League next season, it seems, and with the current squad at his disposal, there is a huge chance that they will reach until the end.
However, it doesn’t seem to be going that fairy tale way, as their academy product and fan favourite, Ross Barkley, has reportedly refused to sign a contract extension at the moment as he is willing to weigh his options in the transfer market. The 23-year-old has been phenomenal so far and has reportedly attracted huge interests from rival clubs.
Premier League giants like Chelsea and Arsenal are keeping tabs on his situation and the Blues are likely to be the favourites to land him next season, as per reports. The attacking midfielder, who can also play on the flanks has scored 26 goals in 170 appearances for the Toffees since breaking into the first team back in 2010.
Chelsea boss, Antonio Conte, is reportedly plotting a bid for the £35million-rated playmaker. Everton boss Koeman has clearly expressed his frustration concerning Barkley’s contract situation stating that “He needs to sign a new contract or you sell the player.”
Among the prime suitors for the 23-year-old, Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur have emerged as potential candidates, indicating that London could be an increasingly possible destination for the player next season. While Tottenham Hotspur are desperate for a winger on the right flanks after Moussa Sissoko’s underwhelming displays this season, Arsenal are unlikely to hold on to Mesut Ozil after this season as the German demands a £250,000-a-week contract.
Barkley has always given first priority to his boyhood club on previous occasions, but his recent statement where he openly expressed his desire to take part in the Champions League and win trophies, has alerted many clubs.
Chelsea are surely winning the Premier League this season with the huge gap they have at the top, and could definitely fulfil Barkley’s wishes. Barkley’s pace, agility and strength can make Chelsea’ attack unstoppable in the league. With N’Golo Kante doing the defensive work for Conte, Barkley can gel in pretty well with Hazard and Willian behind Diego Costa.
