Everton and Frank Lampard Should Be Trying for Chelsea Winger

Frank Lampard should use his charm and connection to try to lure Chelsea winger, Hakim Ziyech, to join him at Everton; he has been transfer-listed by Thomas Tuchel and is open to an exit with him handing a transfer request.

Chelsea’s manager, Thomas Tuchel and new owner, Todd Boehly, have expressed a desire to improve the current squad at Stamford Bridge, with many departures set to take place before adding any new names.

First out the door is the failed Romelu Lukaku, who has recently had his wish granted to return to the Serie A and play for Inter Milan; they should announce his arrival very soon. Now the focus and attention turn to the next lot: Hakim Ziyech, Timo Wener, and Christian Pulisic, who will be allowed to leave the club this summer.

The Blues have also lost two of their main centre-backs in Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen, who will join Real Madrid and Barcelona, respectively. This has left the Blues with a lot to do as they look to fill the gaps left by the departed personnel.

Hakim Ziyech will not be short of options but Everton must take advantage of his situation

Ziyech, one of the trio pegged to leave the Bridge this summer, is not short of options as he looks to put his London days behind him. The team said to be extremely keen on a Ziyech transfer are Serie A champions, AC Milan.

As per Fabrizio Romano: talks have already started between the Italian club and the player’s entourage, with it said to be progressing well.

He has also handed in a transfer request to make sure he can secure a move away from West London, where has been a bit-part player at most.

"Hakim Ziyech has reportedly handed in a transfer request at Chelsea amid interest from AC Milan, who are said to have opened talks with the Blues over the Moroccan.(Via: dailymail.co.uk)"

This is where Everton must step in a try to highjack the transfer of an attacker of his qualities. The club, beyond last season’s dismal Premier League run, have been crying out for more goalscoring options. For too long has the club relied on Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison for goals.

When the two were absent from team selection and unable to start, you could see the problems in front of goal. As soon as they were introduced to a game, things would turn in Everton’s favour. The only player to help in this department last season was Demarai Gray, who enjoyed his best Premier League return in his career.

Added to the concerns at the top end of the pitch, Everton might lose either of Calvert-Lewin or Richarlison; in fact, they might lose both of them with DCL still undecided on what he wants to do next.

To put this into perspective: the Toffees scored 47 league goals in the 2020/21 campaign with Dominic and Richarlison scoring 23 of them (DCL 16 and Richarlison 7). Last season, including Grey, they were the leading goalscorer with 20 goals between them; Everton only scored 43 goals.

Everton Must Use Their Money Wisely

With the exit of Richarlison practically unavoidable, Lampard and the Toffees will have about £50m in the kitty to work with, in the transfer market. If they can use that money wisely, they could lure players on the fringe to Goodison Park.

They should throw every attempt at Ziyech and use the link between him and Lampard that brought him to England. If they fail at landing him because AC Milan’s offering a more attractive deal than them, then they should turn their attention towards Werner.

Both players should be available for cut prices and this is why they could be good investments. High wage demands shouldn’t be an issue with Everton paying large sums of money for the wrong type of player.

However, this is easier said than done.

At the moment, Frank Lampard does not boast the same appeal he did while he was manager of Chelsea. He had Champions League football and a deep pocket with a big purse to support him, transfers came surprisingly easy.

Now he has to use all his connections and previous experiences to help entice the more talented players on the globe to join him at Goodison Park. They must strengthen up front with more than two attackers needed this summer.

The Chelsea outcasts are a good place to start the summer revamp at Everton.