Chillwell injury might make Digne Everton exit more likely
The news that England left-back Ben Chilwell is out injured for the rest of the season, could make a move by Lucas Digne away from Everton, more probable.
Ever since his falling out with Everton manager Rafa Benitz over tactics and form, it has been increasingly likely that the French international will leave Merseyside as he was left out of the last two first-team squads.
Several clubs have been linked with a move for the unsettled former Barcelona star who has been at Goodison Park since 2018.
Reports sufacing today claim that one of those supposedly interested parties, Chelsea, are now even more likely to move for Digne after their left-back Chilwell’s injury in the win at Aston Villa.
This story comes from 90 minutes and claims the European Champions will step up their interest in Digne following Chilwell’s injury, which has ruled him out for the rest of the season.
All this seems to hinge on another transfer story that has been doing the rounds recently that the Toffees will sign Dynamo Kiev left-back Vitaly Mykolenko once the January window opens.
The rumours of the Ukrainian’s impending move to England have been circulating for several weeks now although there is no solid confirmation yet from the Blues’ themselves.
As long as that isn’t forthcoming and until we actually see Mykolenko walk though the door at Finch Farm, we won’t believe it is to happen.
Assuming though that Mykolenko does become an Everton player that would presumably pave the way for Digne to leave, if indeed that’s what is going to happen.
To be honest, this whole issue around the French left-back’s future has been an unnecessary additional distraction during a season which has seen plenty of them with the now regular unending run of injury problems and the recent removal of Director of Football Marcel Brands.
It seems as though Benitez has dug his heels in, as is his character,and this has led to a rift between manager and player that looks unlikely to be healed.
Most supporters would I’m sure like Digne to stay at Goodison Park as he is without doubt a genuinly talented and at his best, a superb footballer.
We haven’t though seen that best very often recently and without any real competition for his place, he’s tended to coast too much I think.
I suppose an unhappy player is not one you want in the dressing room or the team. And, if Everton can get a good fee for the 27-year-old and invest that money in strengthening the team, then it could make sense for him to depart.