Chelsea have fallen short in their initial bid to prise Anthony Gordon from the clutches of Everton.
Though it looks as if Todd Boehly will not give up easily, as he looks to implement a youth-driven strategy to kickstart his reign as Chelsea’s new owner and current interim Sporting Director.
What’s the word?
According to a report from BBC Sport, it is said that the Stamford Bridge outfit have had a £40m bid rejected by the Toffees.
But despite this initial rejection, there is potential for a cash-plus-player loan deal with the likes of Conor Gallagher and Armando Broja names who are listed in the report.
As per the same piece, it is said that ‘well-placed’ sources expect a deal to be completed in the coming days, with personal terms not considered an issue.
Gordon made his Everton debut in January 2020 and signed a five-year contract in September 2020.
Initial blow for Boehly
The latest news surrounding Gordon’s future comes as an initial blow for Boehly, who is looking to implement a transfer approach that focuses on harnessing young prospects within the starting XI.
The 21-year-old Everton star fits the bill and can help to build on Chelsea’s total of three big chances created from the first two Premier League games of the season.
Considering that he is plying his trade in a low confidence, counter-attacking Everton side, Gordon’s average of 2.78 shot-creating actions per 90 present promise, despite this metric ranking him in the 31st percentile amongst positionally similar players, as per FBref.
With an average of 23.28 pressures per 90, as well as a combined average of tackles and interceptions metric of 3.76 per match also, he’s a player who is already in the mould of a Tuchel player and would no doubt slot seamlessly into the German boss’ well oiled machine, with his efforts in the out-of-possession phase evidencing this.
Gordon, who was dubbed a “wonderkid” by Journalist Chris Smith for his efforts for the England under-21’s, would surely relish a move to a side who play progressive, high-possession football in what would be an astute next step in his career from a progression perspective.
