According to reports in The Sun, Everton are ready to rival Liverpool for the signing of Arsenal midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain if Ross Barkley leaves the club this summer.
What’s the word, then?
Well, Toffees star Barkley’s contract at Goodison Park is due to run out next summer and manager Ronald Koeman says he will sell the England international unless he commits his long-term future to the Merseyside club.
The Dutchman stated prior to the match against Watford that the 23-year-old had until the end of this week to make a decision, but there has been no news despite the fact that he played a prominent role in their new kit launch on Tuesday.
If he does go Koeman is believed to be targeting a move for Oxlade-Chamberlain, whose own future at the Emirates is in doubt as he is in a similar situation to Barkley, although he could face competition for his signature form Jurgen Klopp.
How has Oxlade-Chamberlain done this season?
The 23-year-old has endured another campaign in and out of the Arsenal side and it is for that reason that he is said to be considering leaving the club.
It’s probably fair to say that Arsene Wenger is still yet to find his best position, although he has shone on the right side of the 3-4-3 formation the French manager has deployed in recent weeks.
Just as he was starting to impress, the England star picked up a hamstring injury against Southampton last week and now faces a race against time to be fit for the FA Cup final later this month.
Would he be a good replacement for Barkley?
While he is a great player, it is a little strange to see Chamberlain described as a potential replacement for the Toffees playmaker.
Barkley has often played in an advanced central role behind Romelu Lukaku this season, while the Arsenal midfielder has featured in a deeper role or out wide.
With two goals and seven assists in 29 Premier League appearances this term he certainly has the ability to make a difference from an attacking point of view though.
What’s the verdict, then?
Well, if Chamberlain is available this summer then there is no doubt that Everton should be trying to sign him, but it still seems unlikely that he would be a like-for-like replacement for Barkley if he leaves Goodison Park.