Everton have rejected a £45 million bid from Chelsea for Anthony Gordon, with Franck Lampard keen on keeping the player at Goodison Park.
According to The Times, Everton have rejected a £45 million offer from Chelsea for Anthony Gordon. The Toffees consider this deal complicated as they might value the attacker around the £50 million mark, but Frank Lampard wants to keep him and build his team around the 21-year-old.
Anthony Gordon made his mark with Everton last season despite the club enduring a difficult season. Some of his performances were praiseworthy and he has garnered plenty of admiration from other clubs as a result. The 21-year-old has steadily become a mainstay in Frank Lampard’s side, with the manager keen for things to remain that way.
Gordon is the subject of interest from some of the clubs in the Premier League. Following Newcastle United’s approach, the Toffees indicated the player is not for sale as they intended to keep him at the club. Lampard sees Gordon as a big part of his plans and wants to build the team around the attacker.
Now, Chelsea are showing a strong interest in signing Gordon, with the Merseysiders caught in a dilemma over whether to offload him or not. Everton rejected a £45 million offer from the Blues as they are reportedly demanding at least £50 million to consider any interest, but Lampard’s insistence on keeping him could have a different effect.
The latest rejection comes after Everton had rebutted a £40 million proposal from Chelsea, which was thought to be verbal. The big decision could remain with Gordon. If he decides to stay put, there’s nothing Chelsea might be able to do and probably wait until next summer.
The player may not be worried about plummeting values, as he could attract a bigger offer next year. He wants to play regularly and might consider the Chelsea move a risk. At the Toffees, he is certain to play regularly, having started the season’s first two games.
Everton would want to keep Gordon for other reasons as well. Gordon has become their main attacking threat after losing Richarlison to Tottenham, while key man Dominic Calvert-Lewin is out for over a month with an injury. The Toffees cannot afford to lose a precocious talent such as the 21-year-old, as there may be less time to find a quality replacement.