Everton in talks with Chelsea for Michy Batshuayi and Ross Barkley

Everton have opened talks with Chelsea over the signings of Michy Batshuayi and Ross Barkley.

Michy Batshuayi, 28, has been a journeyman since joining the Blues from Marseille in 2016, spending multiple loan spells away from Stamford Bridge. After mixed loan spells with Borussia Dortmund, Valencia and Crystal Palace, the striker had a productive time with Besiktas last season, where he netted 14 goals in 33 Super Lig appearances.

However, Besiktas didn’t make his loan move permanent and the Belgian international returned to Chelsea earlier in the summer. With just a year remaining on his contract with Chelsea, Batshuayi would believe now is the perfect time to end his torrid time at Stamford Bridge and move on to pastures new.

Like Batshuayi, Ross Barkley is eager to move on from the west London outfit after failing to make the grade since swapping Everton for Chelsea back in 2018. The English midfielder has featured 58 times for the Blues in the Premier League, with just six of those coming over the entirety of the last season.

Everton have shown an interest in signing both Batshuayi and Barkley with Chelsea looking to trim their wage bill heading into the new campaign by offloading them. They are reportedly in discussion with the Blues over a permanent move for the duo, who are surplus to requirements for Thomas Tuchel.

Everton need a few more signings to challenge for a top-half finish

The Toffees have made some moves in the transfer market of late. The Merseyside outfit have signed Dwight McNeil from Burnley and Ruben Vinagre on loan from Sporting CP earlier this week to add to the acquisition of James Tarkowski. But Frank Lampard doesn’t appear to be stopping here, with more quality signings needed in the squad in order to avoid another relegation scrap like last season.

That being said, the additions of Michy Batshuayi and Ross Barkley could help Frank Lampard’s side challenge for a top-half finish. Batshuayi has shown he still has a lot to offer at the highest level and can deliver the goods if shown faith and given good service. His international record with Belgium is excellent, and the striker can thrive at Goodison Park with players like Andros Townsend, Dele Alli, Anthony Gordon and Alex Iwobi around him.

Barkley’s stock, meanwhile, has suffered a huge dip since his move to Chelsea from Everton four years ago. The player is lacking confidence and self-belief at the moment, something Lampard will look to ignite in him if a move does go through.

Nonetheless, the 33-cap England international is still good enough to play in the Premier League. And a return to his former club should entice Barkley.