Arsenal’s Calum Chambers, who played under the Everton boss at Southampton, has impressed on loan to Middlesbrough this season.
Everton manager Ronald Koeman
Everton are targeting three new defenders this summer, according to the Daily Mail.
With neither Phil Jagielka nor Ashley Williams getting any younger and Seamus Coleman out with a broken leg, that many arrivals would certainly make sense.
With a bit of acumen, however, Everton could cut the number of defensive recruits, which would be advisable as not to suffocate the likes of Mason Holgate, Matthew Pennington and Brendan Galloway coming through.
Bringing in a player such as Arsenal’s Calum Chambers, for example, could be two signings in one.
Chambers has excelled on loan to Middlesbrough this season, who despite their lowly league position boast a better defensive record than any top flight club outside the top seven – Liverpool and Arsenal, too.
The right- or centre-back has helped Boro to clean sheets in seven of his 20 league and cup appearances, and is said to be attracting interest from former boss Mauricio Pochettino, at Tottenham of all clubs.
But while Chambers’ Arsenal future remains uncertain, it is extremely unlikely the Gunners would sell to a fierce rival – not least one that is set to finish above them for the first time in 22 years – and that could open the door for Everton to pounce.
Calum Chambers (centre) in action for Everton
Toffees boss Ronald Koeman also worked with Chambers at Southampton, but had the England Under-21 international prised from his grasp a month after replacing Pochettino in 2014.
According to the Daily Mirror, the Dutchman was keen to bring him back to the South Coast during last summer’s transfer window, before Everton came calling.
Which means Chambers to Goodison Park could be one to keep an eye on.
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