Chelsea have made a £45m approach for rising England star Anthony Gordon. And though his club Everton don’t want to sell the prize asset they have developed through the academy, there is an awareness he now wants to leave.
It is understood he has indicated to Frank Lampard that he is keen on a move to the London club …and wants the manager to consider the offer.
Everton are also aware that there has been informal contact with the 21 year old’s representatives, with Chelsea ready to offer a package that is hard to resist for the youngster.
Goodison chiefs have had contact from the London club, with an initial inquiry over what they suggested could be a heavily structured fee which could rise to just over £40m. That was dismissed out of hand, but now Chelsea have returned with a better offer, and though that won’t meet the £50m Everton believe is the player’s minimum value, it is getting closer.
Lampard has always insisted he doesn’t want to lose the England U21 star, and chairman Bill Kenwright has already fought off attempts from Newcastle, Spurs and Chelsea to prise him away.
But with the transfer window ticking down, Chelsea can offer the prospect of Champions League football, and the temptation of a central role in manager Thomas Tuchel’s plans as he looks to build a new young team.
Everton offered Gordon a new contract just three weeks ago, but that remains unsigned, and we understand the player’s representatives have made clear he won’t put pen to paper.
The club reiterated its desire to keep Gordon last night, stating there had been no formal offer, but there is a growing understanding that if Gordon pushes for the move, it will be tough to stand in his way.
Chelsea have surprised many with their interest, with Tuchel already blessed with a number of young, promising wide players, including the likes of Mason Mount, Kai Havertz, new signing Raheem Sterling, Christian Pulisic and Callum Hudson-Odoi, who is the same age as Gordon and has progressed further in the England set up.
But they are determined to press on, and Everton expect another offer that will test their resolve for the player who made 40 appearances last season, scoring four goals and producing two assists.
Gordon is understood to have made clear he has no interest in rivals offers or a new Everton deal, and Chelsea may also be tempted to use some of their fringe players to sweeten the deal, with striker Armando Broja and midfielder Billy Gilmour both a possibility.
A package approaching £50m would seriously test Everton resolve, especially given the commitment to bringing in a new striker this week, AND midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye from PSG.
