Everton keen to beat Chelsea to 25-year-old French winger

Transfer News: Everton are working on a deal to sign Chelsea target Maxwel Cornet

In what could come as a blow to Chelsea, Everton are said to be working on a deal to bring Burnley winger Maxwel Cornet to Goodison Park. This is according to The Athletic, who say that the two clubs are in contact although no deal has been finalised yet.

Cornet joined Burnley last summer from the French side Olympique Lyonnais. Despite having a good season and making an impression, the 25-year-old was unable to prevent his side from getting relegated. The Ivory Coast international scored nine goals in 26 league appearances as Burnley finished 18th on the table and were relegated to the Championship.

Chelsea identified Cornet as an alternative to Raphinha who has now finalised a move to Barcelona. After failing to convince the Brazilian, the Blues were expected to go for Cornet. But that has not been the case and it looks like they could lose out on him too if they don’t make a move now.

The 25-year-old winger has a £17.5 million relegation release clause in his contract. Thomas Tuchel, who is currently making changes to his squad has signed Raheem Sterling and Kalidou Koulibaly. The Blues chased Raphinha for quite some time, but that bore no fruit and now his alternative is also appearing to slip away.

The Ivorian is a versatile player who can play as a left-winger, centre-forward and also as a left-back. His versatility is no doubt why Tuchel is interested in him. A coach who likes to rotate his attackers in various positions, Cornet would make one fine addition to his team. He would not only help in adding depth to the squad but could help increase competition for various positions in the team.

Hakim Ziyech and Christian Pulisic may leave the club this summer. This leaves Callum Hudson-Odoi and Sterling as the only natural wingers in the team. An addition may be needed and Cornet fits the bill perfectly. His experience in the Premier League and him coming at a bargain price should be enough for Chelsea to enter the race for him before it’s too late.

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With the club currently in the United States for pre-season, it will interesting to see if Cornet joins them there. A fine winger, he would make an excellent signing for Tuchel. Where he plays next season remains to be seen.