Fabrizio Romano: West Ham reach an agreement on personal terms with Everton target

Transfer activity has been slow on the Everton side with the club failing to convert transfer targets into summer signings. After being linked to Chelsea youngster Armando Broja for the last few weeks, Everton are now set to lose this battle as West Ham are close to completing the transfer.

Everton’s sale of Richarlison will yield them £60 million which will be used to rebuild the squad and balance the books. The Brazilian left a gaping hole in the squad that is difficult to fill. The Toffees will need to secure a replacement for the Brazilian and Broja was touted as a viable candidate.

The Cobham academy graduate spent the last season on loan at Southampton, scoring nine goals in 38 games for the Saints. Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel and new owner Todd Boehly have been in discussions over the future of Broja as a number of clubs circle around the Albanian.

Everton, West Ham United and Newcastle United have shown concrete interest in the 20 year old. Outside of England, Napoli discussed the name of Broja during the negotiations of Kalidou Koulibaly, who joined Chelsea. Even though talks are ongoing, West Ham have edged out in the race.

Everton lose Armando Broja race as West Ham agree personal terms

According to Fabrizio Romano, West Ham are closing in on the Chelsea striker. The Hammers are pushing for a permanent deal but it is up to the Blues of London. Personal terms between Broja and West Ham have already been agreed and the deal is progressing well.

This will be a huge blow for Everton, who seem to be failing in their transfer pursuits. Manchester City utility man Oleksandr Zinchenko, an Everton target, is now close to joining Arsenal on a permanent deal.

Everton were never the frontrunner for Broja but held an interest in the 20 year old. West Ham were always a step ahead in the race and hence they are now close to completing the signing. The Toffees need to be quick in pursuit of other transfer targets or they risk on missing out on them too. Udinese defender Rodrigo Becao has been linked and if Everton are seriously interested in the Brazilian centre back, they should not waste time and open negotiations soon.

Frank Lampard used a three at the back formation in the friendly against Arsenal during the USA pre-season tour. There are rumours that he will use a 3-5-2 this season as the primary formation and the Toffees may push for a forward to partner with Dominic Calvert-Lewin upfront. There’s a possibility of Anthony Gordon or Demarai Gray playing just behind Calvert-Lewin. Nonetheless, the squad needs to be upgraded.

Which other player should the Toffees pursue after losing out on Armando Broja?