Everton held back as Chelsea hold talks with Manchester City over Oleksandr Zinchenko
Chelsea have held talks with Manchester City over signing Everton target Oleksandr Zinchenko, according to the Daily Mail.
Fabrizio Romano had reported earlier this month (18 June) that the Ukrainian could leave the Etihad and that the Toffees had him on their list of “main targets”.
But according to the latest report, while there is interest from both Everton and West Ham, the funds required are “not as readily available” as they are from Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea were already in negotiations with the Premier League champions over Raheem Sterling, and are thought to be interested in taking Nathan Ake as well.
The Toffees meanwhile are trying to figure out the future of Richarlison as a priority, since the transfer window and wider financial concerns hinge on a significant sale with the Daily Mail referring to their situation as “precarious”.
Zinchenko is set to be available as Pep Guardiola targets Brighton’s Marc Cucurella for his left-back spot.
Left behind
This is exactly the kind of scenario that will frustrate Frank Lampard and the fans, as the Ukrainian international appears to be available and the club want him.
In most other years they would surely have made an approach by now, but due to the delicate situation surround profit and sustainability they haven’t yet been able to.
The Richarlison situation looks like it is approaching a conclusion of some sorts, which will at least give a clearer picture of what will be possible this summer.
The capture of James Tarkowski on a free transfer is very encouraging, but there are deals potentially going begging otherwise.
One sliver of hope for the club is that the champions may not wish to allow multiple players to make the move from the Etihad to Stamford Bridge to strengthen a rival, and with Sterling their main target that might leave Zinchenko in place.
Similarly, as Lampard’s former side look to be intent on adding Raphinha from Leeds, which may have a knock-on effect with the Richarlison situation, they might not be able to afford all three City players.
There is a final possibility that could benefit Everton, in that it is expected that the manager will be revisiting the London club in an attempt to make signings when he can.
Should Zinchenko be lost to Chelsea it could make one of their current players more available, but based on Romano’s assessment that he is a main target in himself that would still be a disappointing turn of events.