da bet nacional： According to the Bleacher Report, Chelsea are likely to come unstuck in their efforts to sign Everton midfielder Idrissa Gueye this summer.
What’s the word, then?
da cassino： Well, the two clubs are already understood to be in discussions over a deal for Romelu Lukaku and Blues boss Antonio Conte is also said to have enquired about the availability of Gueye.
With the futures of Nemanja Matic and Cesc Fabregas far from certain, the Italian is keen to strengthen in central midfield to provide support and competition for N’Golo Kante ahead of the club’s return to the Champions League group stages.
However, he looks set to be unsuccessful in his attempts to sign the Senegal international with the Toffees desperate to keep one of their key players.
How good was Gueye this season?
He enjoyed an outstanding campaign for Ronald Koeman’s men and was one of the best in his position in not only the Premier League, but across all of Europe’s top leagues too.
Having arrived at Goodison Park for just £7.1m last summer, expectations perhaps wouldn’t have been too high but the 27-year-old has quickly made a big impact and is already a fans’ favourite.
Gueye made 75 interceptions and 46 clearances in 33 top flight appearances in a role similar to the one Kante plays at Stamford Bridge.
Is that the end of the matter then?
It probably is, yes.
Having only signed Gueye last summer and with the futures of Romelu Lukaku and Ross Barkley in doubt, Koeman won’t want to potentially lose a third key player from his team – especially with Europa League football on the menu.
Who could Chelsea turn to?
Conte has been heavily linked with a move for Monaco’s Tiemoue Bakayoko in recent weeks and the Frenchman is still likely to be his top target, with the Italian boss likely just sounding out potential alternatives when he enquired about Gueye.
What’s the verdict, then?
Well, while there is no doubt that Chelsea will have been impressed with the performances of Gueye this term considering he is such a similar player to their PFA Player of the Year Kante, there seems to be little chance of a deal being done this summer at least.