Chelsea reportedly made an 11th-hour attempt to sign Everton star James Garner, as per talkSPORT.
After rising through Manchester United’s youth system, the 25-year-old made his first-team debut back in 2019. However, he struggled to break into the starting line-up, so he went out on loan on a couple of occasions to play regularly and develop his career.
Ultimately, Garner joined Everton permanently in 2022. Initially, he took time to settle into his new surroundings before establishing himself as a key starter.
Last season, the Englishman showcased his qualities, scoring three goals and registering seven assists in 41 appearances across all competitions.
Now, talkSPORT state that after letting Enzo Fernandez join Manchester City, Chelsea identified Garner as a serious option to strengthen the engine room.
The West London club’s new manager Xabi Alonso was attracted by the Englishman’s ability to play in the right-back and midfield departments.
So, they launched an 11th-hour attempt to seal the deal and were prepared to spend around £65m. However, Everton refused to let him leave so late in the transfer window, having recently handed him a fresh contract until 2030.
Garner to Chelsea
After letting Andrey Santos join Manchester United, Chelsea decided to sign Jordan Henderson. So, following Fernandez’s departure, Alonso currently has Moisés Caicedo, Romeo Lavia and Dario Essugo alongside Henderson as midfield options.
However, Lavia and Essugo have had fitness problems in recent years, while Caicedo picked up an injury against Brighton and Hove Albion last weekend.
On the other hand, Henderson has reached the twilight of his career. So, Chelsea should’ve bought a new midfielder before the deadline to replace Fernandez.
Garner is quick, strong, can play threading passes between the lines, and is efficient at taking set-pieces. Moreover, he has an eye for scoring goals from distance and is efficient in defensive contributions.
He is a Premier League-proven player and is currently at the prime stage of his career. Therefore, the Everton star would have been a great coup for the Blues had they managed to secure his services.
Meanwhile, following a 4-3 victory over Brighton, Chelsea are set to face Arsenal in the Premier League next weekend.
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