Everton should demand Armando Broja rather than Conor Gallagher as part of the deal that could see Anthony Gordon join Premier League giants Chelsea for a staggering £60 million, Danny Murphy tells TalkSPORT (24 August, 10.50am).
Let’s get it right; absolutely nobody is questioning Gordon’s talent. Prodigiously hard-working and deliciously direct, the England U21 international is arguably the most exciting academy graduate to emerge at Goodison Park since a baby-faced Wayne Rooney.
Whether he is ready for Chelsea – or whether Chelsea even need him – is another matter entirely. Exciting wide forwards are hardly in short supply at Stamford Bridge after all.
And, with talkSPORT suggesting that Everton would demand Broja in exchange, maybe The Toffees could end up getting the best of this particular deal. The turbo-charged Albanian scored nine times during an often-exhilarating loan spell at Southampton in 2021/22; Five more than Gordon.
And with goals in short supply at Everton, Broja may be the Richarlison replacement Frank Lampard is crying out for.
Armando Broja or Conor Gallagher for Everton?
“Broja would be part of the deal for me. I would insist on that. I think he’s a terrific talent,” says former Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and England midfielder Murphy.
“The striking position with (Dominic) Calvert-Lewin being injured and Richarlison leaving… (Everton need) goals, goals, goals. So Broja would be a real asset to them.
“I thought he was really good at Southampton, in a struggling side. He’s physical, he’s energetic, he’s high intensity which the fans would love. And he can score a goal.”
TalkSPORT claim that Conor Gallagher, a thrusting attacking midfielder in the Frank Lampard mould, is another name on Everton’s radar. Murphy, however, believes the £35 million-rated Gallagher will stay at Chelsea after making his first Premier League start for the club in Sunday’s 3-0 defeat at Leeds United.
Either way, it’s forwards Everton need – not midfielders.
“I think Gallagher is staying now, especially with the injury to (N’Golo) Kante. I think (coach Thomas) Tuchel will give him a run. He’s earned the chance,” Murphy adds.
“I don’t see Gallagher as part of any deal. Everton are alright in midfield. They’ve got numbers. I think Broja is an important part of this deal.”
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
