Chelsea are looking to wait on whether to go ahead and sign Everton full-back Lucas Digne who is valued at £30 million. The Blues are undecided over the valuation of the former Barcelona left-back who is pushing for the exit at Goodison Park, according to a report from talkSPORT. Chelsea lost Ben Chilwell to a season-ending knee injury and looking for a replacement this month.
The 28-year-old French full-back arrived at Everton from Barcelona in the summer of 2018. He has been impressed with the Toffees since his arrival but recently shocked the fans with his desire to leave this month. Manager Rafa Benitez also confirmed that the player has demanded a transfer request and the club is looking to raise big funds from his sale this month.
Everton are struggling to keep up with Fair Play Regulations this month and will be forced to sell a few of their key players including star forwards Richalison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin. The Toffees are without a win in the last three league matches and are now placed in 15th position in the Premier League table with 19 points only.
Rafa Benitz secured the signing of Ukrainian left-back Vitaliy Mykoleno from Dynamo Kyiv last week, who made his debut yesterday in a 2-3 FA Cup third-round win over Hull City. Digne is currently out injured and hasn’t made an appearance since the start of the last month. Everton are looking to sell Digne this month but only at the right price which they value £30 million.
Lucas Digne will leave Everton, never been in doubt. Three Premier League clubs interested, next week will be key – Chelsea are still waiting to decide on LB situation. ?? #EFC
Again, Digne will not join Newcastle. No way – and Lille are still hoping to keep Sven Botman. #NUFC pic.twitter.com/fbuQ7gaoDy
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 7, 2022
Chelsea To Recall Emerson From Lyons And Wait On Lucas Digne?
Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel hinted at a possible return of Emerson Palmieri to Stamford Bridge while speaking to reporters yesterday. The 27-year-old Italian left-back is currently at Olympique Lyonnais on a season-long loan. He has been regular at Lyons with 15 league appearances this season with 1 goal and an assist to his name. Tuchel is a big admirer of the player and looking at him as a possible option if they fail to sign Digne.
“I will not give you any details on that, but I will not hide from the fact that we have a long-term injury with Ben Chilwell who will miss the whole season.But it is not just what I wish for. We need to evaluate the situation, but we are looking into it, this position, and Emi is one of the options, and I will not comment further.” – Thomas Tuchel on Chilwell’s injury and Emerson’s return.
But Lyons holds the decision power whether to terminate Emerson’s loan. And they are reluctant to do that as finding his replacement will not be a financially good decision. Chelsea are looking to try to recall Emerson instead of signing Digne this month and they still have Marcos Alonso as a perfect backup option available.