Everton have been linked with a move for Gianluigi Donnarumma as a potential replacement for Jordan Pickford, but their hopes of landing his signature look dead in the water after the Daily Express’ latest report.
Chelsea are reportedly in talks with the 21-year-old’s agent Mino Raiola as they’re looking to replace Kepa Arrizabalaga. Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid are also keen on Donnarumma’s signature, so Everton have a lot of competition to lure the goalkeeper to Goodison Park.
Donnarumma joined AC Milan from Club Napoli in 2013 and has gone on to make 190 appearances in all competitions. The Italian international’s future at the San Siro is uncertain, however, as his contract is up in 2021. Milan may have to cash in on Donnarumma’s signature if they can’t tie him down to a long-term deal, which is why so many clubs are looking to make contact with his representatives.
Vital Everton have already spoken about why Everton were unlikely to sign Donnarumma – his €70m (£62.27m) asking price, Real & PSG being interested and Carlo Ancelotti being happy to keep Pickford next season.
The Toffees will have Pickford, Jonas Lossl and Joao Virginia next term, so it makes little sense to break their transfer record getting the Italian international, as well.
But Chelsea opening talks with Raiola now all but kills any chance Everton may have had, anyway. There’s no doubt Donnarumma would have improved the Toffees’ squad, but there were too many roadblocks in their way of ever completing a deal.
Everton have a fervent need to strengthen their defence and midfield, rather than bring in a new goalkeeper. So it remains to be seen where Donnarumma will end up this summer if he does leave Milan, as it is highly unlikely the Italian ace will be arriving on Merseyside.