Everton could land major Chelsea target after talks held for £45m winger
Everton are bracing themselves for a busy summer transfer window, with the club being linked to a host of wide attacking players. The need for reinforcements on the flanks has become increasingly urgent following the departures of Jesper Lindstrom and Jack Harrison, both of whom played significant roles last season. With those exits, manager David Moyes is left with a noticeable gap in his squad that must be addressed if the Toffees are to mount a competitive campaign in 2025/26.
Moyes, who returned to the club in January to steady the ship, is believed to be pushing hard for fresh attacking options. The Friedkin Group, who are in the process of reshaping Everton’s future after taking control of the club, are reportedly keen to make a statement signing this summer. However, their focus remains on finding players who not only bring talent and flair but also fit the club’s culture and long-term vision.
The right-wing position, in particular, has been a problem area for Everton. Throughout the 2024/25 season, the team often lacked dynamism and creativity on that flank. While Iliman Ndiaye brought moments of brilliance, his injury late in the campaign exposed the lack of depth and consistency in the wide areas. This has accelerated the club’s need to bring in new wingers who can add both pace and end product.
One of the more surprising developments in recent weeks has been speculation linking Everton with a move for Manchester City forward Jack Grealish. However, that potential deal has been met with skepticism, notably from pundit Simon Jordan. The talkSPORT presenter questioned whether Grealish’s personality and off-field reputation would align with Moyes’ no-nonsense approach, casting doubt over the suitability of such a high-profile signing.
Instead, Everton appear to be focusing their attention on younger, emerging talents—players who can be developed into long-term assets. According to reports from ESPN, one such name catching the eye is Malick Fofana, the highly-rated 20-year-old winger from Ligue 1 side Lyon. Fofana is attracting interest from several Premier League clubs, with Chelsea reportedly already holding preliminary talks. Lyon are believed to value the Belgium international at around £45 million, and while he is said to be happy at the French club, financial pressures could force a sale.
Everton face stiff competition for Fofana’s signature, with multiple English clubs monitoring his situation. Still, the Merseyside club could hold an unlikely advantage. Their previous dealings with Lyon—most notably the loan agreement for midfielder Orel Mangala—have established a line of communication that could be beneficial. Moreover, former Crystal Palace investor John Textor, who is currently involved with Lyon and had previously attempted to buy Everton, could play a key role in any potential negotiations.
Fofana is widely regarded as one of Europe’s most exciting young wide players. His pace, close control, and ability to beat defenders one-on-one make him a nightmare for opposition full-backs. Despite Lyon’s inconsistent season, he remained a bright spot, and his performances haven’t gone unnoticed across Europe.
With Everton prioritizing offensive reinforcements this window, Fofana represents the kind of signing that aligns with both Moyes’ footballing needs and the Friedkins’ ambition to build a team for the future. The success of Iliman Ndiaye’s signing last summer showed what can happen when the club backs a young talent, and there’s belief at Goodison Park that Fofana could follow a similar trajectory.
However, competition will be fierce. Chelsea’s interest is serious, and other top-flight clubs could soon enter the fray if Lyon officially place him on the market. Nevertheless, if Everton can act decisively—and perhaps leverage their connections with Lyon and Textor—they might just pull off one of the most exciting deals of the summer.
For now, all eyes remain on the negotiations as the Toffees attempt to reshape their attacking line, with Fofana quickly becoming a name to watch in what promises to be a dramatic few months at Goodison Park.