OPINION
Chelsea are reportedly looking to raid Ronald Koeman’s Everton for midfielder Idrissa Gueye this summer, if they fail in their pursuit of Leicester’s Danny Drinkwater.
The Daily Mail claimed on Tuesday afternoon that the Toffees’ 27-year-old ace has been identified as a possible target, if the Blues cannot convince Leicester to reduce their £40million asking price for Drinkwater.
It is said that Chelsea dropped their interest in the 40-time Senegal international because they were looking to sign another Everton ace in former striker Romelu Lukaku, and signing two Toffees stars would have proved impossible.
But since Lukaku has joined Manchester United, the west London giants could look to re-enter the transfer window and sign former Aston Villa ace Gueye with a big offer likely to tempt the Toffees.
This Is Futbol considers just how valuable Gueye is to Everton and whether Chelsea can convince the Toffees to sell their star midfielder with just over a week left in the summer transfer window.
Good move for Everton?
Gueye has already shown during the 2017-18 season that he is absolutely crucial to Everton’s side if the Toffees are to prove successful in the Europa League and reach the top six of the Premier League.
The ex-Lille midfielder is known for his lung-busting efforts in the middle of the park, offering plenty of strength despite his slight frame as well as possessing the technical ability and vision to find an opponent.
He is Koeman’s first name on the team sheet and certainly the Toffees best midfielder, leaving the likes of Morgan Schneiderlin, Tom Davies, Muhamed Besic and James McCarthy in his wake.
So, losing Gueye is out of the question. If the midfielder’s head is to be turned, a new contract should be offered with a healthy pay rise and at worst, a £30million price tag should be placed on his head.
This Is Futbol rating: 1/10.
Likely to happen?
Everton are reportedly reluctant to sell the midfielder, but Premier League champions Chelsea have plenty of pulling power and the lure of Champions League football is likely to tempt Gueye.
Everton’s number 17 has found his feet at Goodison Park and is playing the best football of his career under former Southampton manager Koeman, as he continues to remain an integral part of Koeman’s starting eleven.
At Chelsea, Gueye would have to rival the likes of N’Golo Kante, Tiemoue Bakayoko and Cesc Fabregas, with first-team football potentially at a premium.
With Everton unlikely to sell and Gueye likely to be cautious over guarantees of game time, the Blues would have to do plenty of convincing if they were to secure a move.
This Is Futbol rating: 3/10.