In the summer transfer window, Chelsea has made Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite their top target for a center-back after the dominant center-half had yet another successful season.
This time last summer, Branthwaite was an unexpected exclusion from Gareth Southgate’s England squad for Euro 2024, much to the chagrin of both supporters and detractors. However, he has now accepted the rejection.
The 6-foot-5 starlet is currently in high demand around the Premier League, five years after Carlo Ancelotti gave him his senior top division debut against Wolves. This came after a string of successful loan stints at teams like Blackburn Rovers and PSV Eindhoven.
Chelsea is among his increasing number of admirers; Enzo Maresca is still working on adding a center-back after the west Londoners lost out on a deal for Dean Huijsen, who ultimately decided to go with Real Madrid.
Everton to consider £90m Chelsea bid for Jarrad Branthwaite
Since Branthwaite’s contract is set to expire in 2027, Everton has the leverage to demand hefty compensation should he decide to leave. The Blues have begun contract negotiations with the Carlisle-born defender, who David Moyes wants to center his team on.
According to legendary pundit Ian Darke, the Toffees will make every effort to retain him before the upcoming campaign begins. “I don’t think they should be resigned to losing him,” he stated in an exclusive interview with Goodison News. Although I am not privy to Everton’s books, I would have assumed that they would do all in their power to retain him on board.
“Someone would have to make an outrageous offer; for example, if Chelsea were to say, ‘Here is £90 million, does that change your mind?’ They would then have to consider it.” If Everton were to sell him, I would be a little shocked because I believe they will fight for every single penny.
