Chelsea eye loan deal with a £21.3 million option to buy for Everton man

The fallout between Lucas Digne and Rafa Benitez has alerted some of the biggest clubs across Europe. The relationship between the manager and player has eroded and the Spaniard has excluded the former Barcelona defender in the last two matchday squads.

Digne’s argument with the Everton boss has left him unsettled at the club, giving rise to the possibility of the Frenchman leaving the club in January. Benitez has dropped the 28 year old for two straight games and has deployed Ben Godfrey in the left back position.

Leaving the only left back in the squad and playing a centre back in that position hasn’t necessarily yielded positive dividends. Godfrey has slotted in the full back role in the past but leaving Digne is like leaving one of the most important players.

The Frenchman has had an underwhelming campaign this season which is partially down to him being more defensive calibrated in the current setup rather than letting him put his attacking instincts to use. Since joining the Toffees, Digne has emerged as one of the best left backs in the league and has given an edge to the team on numerous occasions.

Chelsea devise plan to sign Lucas Digne from Everton

With no breakthrough in resolving the fallout, clubs have started jumping in for Digne. Juventus have already initiated contact with the fullback’s entourage. Now, Chelsea seems to be devising a plan to acquire the Frenchman.

According to TEAMtalk, Chelsea have decided on the structure of the deal as they aim to bring Digne to Stamford Bridge. Thomas Tuchel’s side are without Ben Chilwell as the Englishman continues his long recovery from an ACL injury. Marcos Alonso has struggled which has prompted Chelsea to sign a left back.

As per the report, the Blues are eyeing Digne in January. Tuchel like’s Digne’s profile the most and Chelsea are set to offer a loan with an option to buy for the 28 year old. The London giants want the former Barcelona man on an initial loan deal and are ready to offer £21.3 million if they decide to exercise the buy option.

The rift with Benitez could supposedly see Digne leave the club. Everton face Chelsea on Thursday and if Benitez opts to exclude the Frenchman again, it would be three straight games that Digne will miss, making it almost clear that the situation seems irreparable.

Previously, Benitez has had fallouts with players at former clubs and on most occasions, it has resulted in the player being sold.

Will Lucas Digne leave Everton?